Woods says he's playing 'full-bore,' could return soon
He's back (almost).
Tiger Woods said he's now hitting full shots and working with his coach, Hank Haney, to get ready for his return to the PGA Tour. Although, he said he won't return to the PGA Tour until after the birth of his second child, expected this month, according to his web site, tigerwoods.com
"I did some work with Hank Haney for a few days last week and it's all good," Woods said. "I'm full-bore with my practice sessions and have no restrictions; it's just a matter of getting my golf endurance up. I don't have my golf stamina back yet."
The news that Woods is close to returning to the game is welcome news for fans, TV executives and tournament directors, who have seen declining attendance and ratings while Woods has been recovering from knee surgery. However, Woods stopped short of naming his actual return date, a subject of much speculation. His announcement virtually assures Woods will compete in this year's Masters tournament.
"As for my comeback to the PGA Tour, a lot depends on the baby, which is due pretty soon. That takes precedent over anything I do golf-wise," Woods said. "Elin, Sam and I are very excited for the new baby to arrive, although that's when the real lack of sleep begins."
Woods, 33, has found himself in the role of stay-at-home dad since June 2008, when he underwent reconstructive knee surgery following his dramatic U.S. Open win at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Calif. He's said he enjoyed spending the extra time with his daughter and that his knee injury has been a "blessing" in many ways.
"But I must admit, I am also excited about returning to competition," Woods said. "Early on, I didn't miss golf because I enjoyed staying home with Elin and Sam and I knew I wasn't physically able to play.
"The truth is, I would have embarrassed myself. Now, I'm getting my feel and practice back. It's just a matter of playing more on the course," Woods said.
As for how well he will play following knee surgery, his fourth surgery on his left knee, Woods said the knee feels better than ever and that he hasn't had to change his swing.
"Many people have asked me if my swing has changed since the surgery, and the answer is no. I'm doing all the things I've been trying to do for a long time, but I can actually hit into my left leg without my bones moving," Woods said. "It's a nice feeling! It is so much better than it ever has been because my bones aren't grinding against each other. As for my length, I can't tell if I'm longer."
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Posted by: DangerousDivot | Feb 23, 2009 1:18:26 PM
Welcome back Tiger, we really really missed you.
Posted by: Drew | Feb 9, 2009 1:33:39 PM
I think it is wonderful that the #1 sports figure in the world loves his kids. Kudos Tiger! I'm sure that people who find his committment to his family 'annoying' are just bitter 'haters'. They can't enjoy his success and his overall professionalism. It's a shame that these people are so negative!
Posted by: Rambutan | Feb 9, 2009 4:58:47 AM
Gobama
Posted by: Jack Smith | Feb 8, 2009 7:30:42 PM
"i am tired of tiger's comments that his child is so important to him. he acts as if he is the only person in the world who loves his children. we all love our children, tiger. your fatherhood is no more special than ours, no matter how much you imply that you are the best dad in the world."
What a hateful thing to say. When did Tiger ever imply his fatherhood was anymore special than yours or anyone else's? Remember when Jack was having children? Or how about some of Phil's comments? I'm tired of reading comments like yours. Keep your bitterness to yourself.
Posted by: mike x | Feb 8, 2009 7:06:35 PM
i am tired of tiger's comments that his child is so important to him. he acts as if he is the only person in the world who loves his children. we all love our children, tiger. your fatherhood is no more special than ours, no matter how much you imply that you are the best dad in the world.
Posted by: James | Feb 8, 2009 6:13:31 AM
I hope Tiger comes back better than ever. A great player he is and a quality person. Matt is indicative of those in America who love to build people up to tear them down later. Or, maybe, he's just envious of Tiger. Tiger works his butt off for his job. Somehow doubt Matt does the same.
Posted by: Nick | Feb 7, 2009 9:13:08 PM
Wow, Matt Simpson. You must be Homer's long lost illegitimate child. What snake bit you? That’s a lot of venom you’re carrying around. Usually when one is outraged by another’s accomplishment, it signals the need for psychiatric evaluation. Get some help dude and maybe you too will achieve your goals, if you have any.
Posted by: Matt Simpson | Feb 6, 2009 10:18:24 PM
Now that the faulty hydraulic knee flexor has been replaced for the 3rd time, the Nike Tiger Woods 9000 golf robot will return to the PGA tour, and all his worshiping fans will bow to him again and return to watching golf on TV and working on their "You Da Man" yells. Even though none of them can actual play golf themselves. The simulated birth of the Nike Golf robot's second child conceived through invitro-fertilization will not hold him back, because he is a robot trained by his creators to only play golf since he was born, and could care less about having a family.
Posted by: B | Feb 6, 2009 10:54:32 AM
and the new tiger cubs name is either Rocco, or if a girl, Rocca....
Rocco(a) Woods, kool
Posted by: steve | Feb 5, 2009 8:16:26 PM
this is god speaking:
1) tiger will win 18 majors.
2) he will give a shout-out to M. Taylor for all his support.
3) he will win a nineteenth shortly after.
Posted by: phantom458 | Feb 5, 2009 3:01:31 PM
Going to have the rest of the PGA Tour pros taking anti-depressants when El Tigre comes back. They've been on the Gravy Train for a while but that's coming to an end!
Posted by: PD | Feb 5, 2009 6:56:12 AM
So sorry M. Taylor! - I was referring to Fred's comment also. - I appreciated your response to him too.
Posted by: Tm | Feb 4, 2009 11:26:59 PM
Good luck to tiger, He adds excitement and flavor to the golf scene. I hope he comes back better than ever. (though that is hard to imagine given what he has done) Much love and respect for a perfect (or close) golfer. I try pitifully to emulate him!
Posted by: Jack Smith | Feb 4, 2009 9:40:35 PM
I cannot wait! Life gets exciting again!
Posted by: Don Gauthier | Feb 4, 2009 2:50:08 PM
Wow! That is one heck of a statement that I completely disagree with; there is no possibility that you are a true fan of golf! Life really is a journey; get over that fifties mentality of yours and enjoy the ride!
Posted by: Jay | Feb 4, 2009 2:43:37 PM
meanwhile... phil is pressing callaway to make a driver that swings itself and a putter that never misses like tiger's.
Posted by: Mike V | Feb 4, 2009 11:46:42 AM
PD before you comment take the time to read the post for context as well as content.
Posted by: Gregg | Feb 4, 2009 11:41:40 AM
I hope he can make it back to the Match Play in Tucson.
Posted by: M. Taylor | Feb 4, 2009 11:35:08 AM
PD | February 04, 2009 at 11:22 AM - If you noticed my comment was to Fred's post (READ). I happy to be a Tiger Fan. I was being sarcastic in asking Fred if he was God since he was being negative about Tiger's chances when he came back. Read the post AGAIN and interpret correctly.
Posted by: PD | Feb 4, 2009 11:22:06 AM
Wow! - M. Taylor, you must be an awesome golfer; psychic; and anti-Tiger to make that statement. - Unless you're independently wealthy it's not advisable that you put money down on your comment!
Posted by: M. Taylor | Feb 4, 2009 11:11:55 AM
Fred | February 04, 2009 at 10:45 AM - I am so pleased to know that you think you are God and can see into the future. I always take heart in the fact that Tiger was given to listening to his parents and not what critics and naysayers would have him do. Despite his achievements, many continue to show jealousy, dislike and even wish him ill. Many were happy that he had knee surgery and has been off. Some even wish he does not return. More and more I am convinced that many golf fans are not the gentlemen that they want young fans to be. Their negative characteristics are very evident on the comment blogs on golf websites such as this but most profoundly on sites such as the Golf Channel.
Posted by: Fred | Feb 4, 2009 10:45:53 AM
He won't dominate anymore. He has no chance to break Nicklaus's records now.
Posted by: Phil M. | Feb 4, 2009 10:32:03 AM
WONDERFUL! The tour has missed him so much, its so great for all of the fans. Everybody will benefit so much from his return, except for us.
Posted by: Blkligh | Feb 4, 2009 10:20:26 AM
Awesome news! Can't wait to watch Tiger dominating the Tour again