The wait is over. Tiger Woods announced his hopeful return to professional golf on Wednesday in a tweet sent out to his more than six million followers.
Hoping to play in Napa, Turkey, and Hero in the Bahamas. Can’t wait to compete again. https://t.co/cuNUTQv0NW
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 7, 2016
On his site, Woods released the following statement announcing his upcoming schedule, which includes three tournaments in the next three months.
Tiger Woods said Wednesday that he hopes to play in the Safeway Open, Oct. 13-16, at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California. Woods also intends to compete in the Turkish Airlines Open, Nov. 3-6, in Antalya, Turkey, and the Tiger Woods Foundation-run Hero World Challenge, Dec. 1-4, at Albany in the Bahamas. He will participate in the Tiger Woods Invitational presented by USLI, Oct. 10-11, on the Monterey Peninsula.
“My rehabilitation is to the point where I’m comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do,” Tiger said. “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.”
The key phrase in this hoopla is “Woods hopes to play,” which still leaves the 14-time major champion with an out should he have a setback or feel he is not ready to compete at the highest level.
One thing is for sure, however, Woods knows his every move will be looked at through a microscope and he’s at least comfortable enough with his health and game to step into the limelight.
His fellow Tour pros are excited for his return as well.
———
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @SwingbySwing and Like Us on Facebook.
