Tiger Woods still uncertain about return, registers for US Open

Anand Datla

April 27, 2016: Tiger Woods is on his way back. The embattled golfer played a few holes of golf for the first time (at least in public) since laying down his tools to recover from a series of back surgeries in 2015. The former world No.1 played the ceremonial tee shot at the Bluejack National Golf Club in Montgomery, Texas before testing his back over a few holes of golf. Tiger has also registered to play at the US Open in June, but no specific date has been set for his return to competitive golf. (Latest Golf News)

Woods played five holes in the company of Mark O’Meara including a par at the 10th hole. He reached the green with a wedge, before taking two putts to sink the ball in the cup.

“I’m definitely a little tired but I feel pretty good,” said Woods. “I haven’t been out here playing like this. I hadn’t played any holes until today. I know people have said I’ve played holes back at Medalist, but I haven’t. This is actually the first time I’ve played holes since Wyndham.”

The Wyndham Championship in August last year was Woods’ last competitive appearance, before he went under the knife to repair his back.

“I haven’t set any date to when I’m playing again, which is frustrating to say,” added Woods. “But to be honest with you, that’s what I’ve had to do. I’ve had to go with that mindset. Would I have said that five months ago? No way. I couldn’t imagine then feeling like I do right now. Keep improving. Keep getting better. Keep making progress. And I’m doing that.”

“I’m not hitting it very far right now,” admitted Woods. “I know I need to hit a bunch of drivers. But I can’t hit a bunch of drivers,” he explained. “I’m trying to figure that out.”

“I can play a lot more at home and get my playing sense back, but tournament golf is so much different,” he said. “And I’ll have to make those adjustments. And the only way to make those adjustments is to get out there in the heat and feel it.”