After an extended break, former world number one golfer
Tiger Woods has declared he’s fit and ready to play in this week’s the Hero World Challenge in Isleworth, Florida.
On Monday the soon-to-be 39-year-old told SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio he’s excited about teeing off at his own event on Thursday.
“I feel really, really good. It’s great to be back out here competing again. I've missed it quite a bit.”
2014 has not been a year to remember on the golf course for Woods. With the Nike golfer missing most of the season due to injury and back surgery earlier this year.
He returned for a brief time in the summer but it was soon apparent Woods’ physical issues had not been resolved. Forcing him to pull out of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and seeing him not even make the cut at this year’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
In August, Woods announced via his website that he would be taking time off to concentrate on healing his back, missing numerous tournaments including the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Stating at the time, “I've been told by my doctors and trainer that my back muscles need to be rehabilitated and healed. They've advised me not to play or practice now.”
During his down time Woods parted ways with his swing coach and has since hired another. Taking the timeout from the Tour to refocus his game and get back into a vital practice routine.
“I went through a period there for the last year, year and a half, where I didn't really practice that much,” said Woods.
“I can finally log in the time, log in the minutes, and really delve into a good practice session and really get a lot out of it. And that's something that I hadn't been able to do in quite some time.”
Woods is now firmly looking ahead to Thursday’s start at the Isleworth Golf and Country Club. Where he will host 18 of the world’s top golfers, including Henrik Stenson, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose and returning champion, Zach Johnson.
The 14x major winner will be hoping the event is what he needs to get back into the swing of things just in time for 2015.
Can’t wait until Thursday to catch a glimpse of Woods’ swing in action? Take a look at the video below from the Tiger Woods Foundation’s Charity Playoff exhibition yesterday to help ease the excitement of Woods’ imminent return.
