Day says Tiger is roaring to go in Hero Challenge

Former world number one Jason Day has revealed Tiger Woods is in the best shape he’s been in for three years ahead of his eagerly anticipated return to golf in next week’s Hero World Challenge.

Woods is making his comeback in his own tournament in Albany, Bahamas next Thursday after 10 months out of action following a fourth back operation in three years.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Australian Open, Day said his close friend Woods is feeling optimistic ahead of his comeback.

Day said: “I did talk to him and he did say it’s the best he’s ever felt in three years. He doesn’t wake up with pain anymore, which is great.

“I totally understand where he’s coming from because sometimes I wake up and it takes me about 10 minutes to get out of bed.

“Best he’s felt in three years. He doesn’t wake up in pain anymore”

“For him to be in pain for three years is very frustrating.”

Woods, who has played only 19 events since 2013, finished 15th in a field of 17 in last year’s Hero World Challenge after nearly 16 months on the sidelines.

The 41-year-old, now ranked 1,193 in the world, has not teed up in a competitive event since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic in February.

There will be plenty of attention on the 14-time major winner at next week’s event but Day believes the relaxed format of the event is the perfect way for Woods to return to the game after such a lengthy absence.

He added: “With regards to him playing next week, there’s no pressure.

“It’s an 18-man field, there’s no cut – it’s obviously a tournament that suits him, that he likes.

“He says he’s ready and I’m hoping he is. From what he says, he’s been hitting it long and if he is hitting it long and straight, it’s going to be tough for us.”