Meet the player replacing Tiger in this week’s field

Trying to get into a PGA Tour event as an alternate player involves a lot of waiting…and waiting…and hoping.

For Max Homa, he didn’t have to wait long as one of the most anticipated returns in recent golf history came to a screeching halt on Monday morning. Tiger Woods withdrew from The Safeway Open citing that his game wasn’t ready to compete on the highest stage.

Woods’ absence will allow Homa, the 2013 NCAA Individual National Champion, to get his 2016-17 season started on the right track. Homa has collected a pair of wins on the Web.com Tour, so a fast start this week could jumpstart an all important season on the big tour.

Homa, who is Woods’ self-proclaimed “biggest fan” even offered to collect the bill the next time the two get dinner.

Thanks Tigers. Next time we hang out, dinner’s on me. Get back out here soon plz.
Sincerely,
Your biggest fan

— max homa (@maxhoma23) October 10, 2016

I think Tiger will be able to cover his share, Max…