Woods optimistic for 2018, but schedule still unclear

LOS ANGELES, Dec 30, 2017 (AFP) - Tiger Woods said he's taken his game to another level, but his 2018 schedule remains unclear as he plots his comeback from injury.

The 14-time major champion posted a lengthy blog on his website, reflecting on 2017 and looking ahead to a 2018 that he hopes will see him playing a full schedule and contending on the US PGA Tour.

"Now, I feel I've taken it to another level," Woods said of the strides he's made since an encouraging return to competition at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in November.

"I'm continuing to pro- gress and trying to get strong enough to where I can handle a workload again. I would love to play a full schedule in 2018.

"What that entails, including back-to-back events, I don't know," Woods said. "I just have to continue to work on my body and game and see where I pan out.

"I wish I knew where I was going to play and when I was going to play -- it's a lot easier to prep for that -but we really don't know. This is all unchartered territory."

Woods missed all of the 2015-16 season and his comeback attempt in early 2017 was cut short when back trouble flared again.

He underwent yet another back procedure in April and was sidelined until the Hero World Challenge, the unofficial event he hosts for charity.