Woods’ annus horribilis

June 2016: Woods announces he is unable to compete at the US Open, the second major of the year, having been sidelined since the preceding August following two back operations in the space of six weeks.

July: Despite insisting he is “continuing to make progress” Woods withdraws from the Open at Royal Troon as well as the US PGA Championship.

September: Announces intention to return to competitive golf at the following month’s Safeway Open in Napa, California, and is a vicecaptain as the United States regain the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008 with a 17-11 victory over Europe at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

October: Aborts his planned comeback at the Safeway Open, saying: “I knew I wasn’t ready to compete against the best golfers in the world.” Admits he is unlikely to equal Jack Nicklaus’ haul of 18 major wins but retains belief he can add to his total of 14.

November: Confirms he will make his much-anticipated comeback at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in December, ending a 15-month absence from the game in the process.

December: Finishes 15th out of a 17-man field at the Hero World Challenge, 14 shots behind winner Hideki Matsuyama.

April: Announces he will not compete at the Masters due to ongoing rehabilitation on his back injury and undergoes another operation, saying: “I’m optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain.”