Tiger set to burn bright, says Rose
Hong Kong
Justin Rose said Tiger Woods is looking fit, healthy and motivated ahead of his highly anticipated comeback at an exclusive charity tournament next week.
The pair will play together at the invitational Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas – Woods’ first tournament since February, after undergoing back surgery.
“I saw him a couple of weeks ago, he looked good. A couple of my friends have been playing with him, and said that he’s in good shape,” said Rose at the Hong Kong Open on Friday.
“Obviously it’s always difficult coming off a full year or whatever it’s been.
“But he looks fit, healthy and I think from there he can play golf, right? He’s obviously got all the talent in the world.
“And I think he’s motivated too, which is great. If he puts his mind to something I’m sure he can achieve what his goals are.”
Woods, a 14-time Major champion, has not played since February, when he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic.
He underwent surgery in April, his fourth operation on his troublesome back.
Woods’ return from his latest injury is sure to draw intense scrutiny, but Rose said the Bahamas competition will provide the “perfect” opportunity for his return.
“It’s obviously great to have Tiger back, it’s the perfect event for him to come back to. It’s obviously a very small field.”
Rose was speaking after his second round at the Hong Kong Open, where he carded a one-under-par 69 in a turbulent round to leave him three shots off the morning leaders.
The Hero World Challenge – an invitational event to benefit Woods’ charity foundation – will take place from next Thursday in Albany, close to Rose’s home in the Bahamas. –