Woods finally looks ready for comeback

ALBANY: The return of Tiger Woods to competitive golf is drawing ever closer after the 14time major champion completed a practice round ahead of the Hero World Challenge.

The invitational event starts tomorrow in the Bahamas.

The 18-man competition, hosted by Woods, will be the 41-yearold's first taste of tournament action since February.

Woods was in visible discomfort during the opening round of the Dubai Desert Classic, since which he has had fusion surgery on his back.

And nine months on, the American is swinging freely again and on the verge of making what will be his 10th comeback from a layoff of 10 weeks or more.

“The fact I don't have any pain in my lower back anymore compared to what I was living with for years, it's just remarkable,” Woods said ahead of the tournament at Albany.

“It's been a struggle for years. To finally come out on the good side of it is exciting.”

In May, Woods was found asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes by the side of a road, with the engine still running, drugged up to the eyeballs on a cocktail of painkillers.

But now back on the course, the 41-year-old has been showing impressive signs of progress following his horrendous run of injuries in recent years.

In a recent round with US President Donald Trump, Woods was reported to have out-driven bighitting compatriot Dustin Johnson.

But the 41-year-old knows the realities of competitive golf will be a whole different challenge.

“I haven't really competed in almost two years,” Woods said.

“I'm looking forward to competing again and trying to find the rhythm and feel of tournament golf. Just hitting shots.

“I haven't really had a scorecard in my hand in a while. That's going to be different.” Daily Mail