Woods targets October return

Tiger Woods has revealed he hopes to make his long-awaited return to competitive action at the Safeway Open in Napa next month.

The 14-time major champion has been out of action since August 2015 due to a back injury, but is planning to tee off at the Silverado Resort and Spa in California on October 13 after playing in the Tiger Woods Invitational on the Monterey Peninsula earlier that week.

Former world number one Woods also aims to play in the Turkish Airlines Open in November and the Hero World Challenge, an event hosted to benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation, in the Bahamas a month later.

In a statement released on his website, Woods said: "My rehabilitation is to the point where I'm comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do.

"Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery. My hope is to have my game ready to go.

"I'm looking forward to going to California for my foundation event and Safeway. I'm also excited to return to Turkey and Albany. It could be a fun fall.

"It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn't rush it. 

"It was great spending time with my children Sam and Charlie, and also working on a lot of projects including golf-course design, the upcoming 20th anniversary of my foundation and my book about the 1997 Masters. 

"But I missed competing. I want to thank all the fans for their kindness and concern. I've been a pro about 20 years, and their support has never waned."

A great of the modern game, Woods has not taken part in a tournament since the Wyndham Championship 13 months ago, with his struggle to recover from another back operation prompting questions over whether he could retire.

The 40-year-old has dropped to 321st in the world rankings after such a long absence from the game.

Woods was named as a vice-captain for the United States in the Ryder Cup, which starts at ‎Hazeltine National Golf Club on September 27.

 

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