Tiger progressing nicely despite ‘setback’ tweets

Former world No 1 posts video online in response to ‘false’ health rumours

Tiger Woods has posted a video of himself hitting a shot in an indoor simulator following suggestions he had suffered a serious setback in the recovery from his latest back injury.

The 13-second clip on his Twitter account, accompanied by the words “Progressing nicely”, follows claims over the weekend that the former world No 1 found it painful to sit down and was unable to move well.

Although Woods does not specify whenthevideowastaken, theinitialsTW and the numbers 2/24/16 – indicating yesterday’s date – are visible on the simulator screen.

The 40-year-old’s agent, Mark Steinberg, had released a statement on Tuesday in response to claims on social media regarding the 14-time major winner.

“The

tweets

that

appeared

this weekend about ridiculous and Steinberg said.

“It’s reprehensible that every few months someone makes something up and it’s treated like a real story. Tiger continues to work on his rehabilitation and we will have an accurate update at the appropriate time.”

In December, Woods – the owner of 79 PGA Tour titles, the most recent coming at the Bridgestone Invitational in 2013 – reflected on a “tough” 2015.

Speaking on tigerwoods.com, he said: “It was a tough year physically and took a toll on my body. I had to battle through a swing pattern change and get that organised, because it was awful at the beginning of the year. I didn’t play for the longest time because I was stuck.”

He added: “The frustrating part was not being able to build on it throughout theyear. Tofinallyhaveitswitchandturn inthelasteventIplayedattheWyndham Tiger’s health are absolutely false,” Championship, and then lo and behold, I can’t physically do it any more. I’ve had twobacksurgeriessincethen, soit’sbeen a roller-coaster ride the entire year, from being down to some pretty darn good highs.”

SteinbergtoldESPNthatthevideowas recorded shortly before 9am EST yesterday.

UnitedStates’RyderCupcaptainDavis Love III selected Woods in November as a vice-captain for this year’s match against Europe.

WhetherWoods can return to the tour in time to earn a place on the US team as a player remains to be seen.

Love told BBC World News: “Tiger is very adamant he can handle both roles. I think Tiger will work hard enough, if his body will allow it.

“Ifhekeepsstoppingandstarting– and the injuries keep piling up – it’s going to be tough for him, but he’s very determined. We’ve seen that.”