 FINALLY – there may be a timetable for Tiger Woods’ return to competitive golf. And it could come soon. Very soon.
Last week, Golf Digest’s (US) Tim Rosaforte tweeted that Woods could begin his latest comeback at the Wells Fargo Championship. That tournament at Quail Hollow starts in less than two weeks. Now, reports have emerged Woods has taken the necessary steps to enter the 2016 US Open field.
Though agent Mark Steinberg denied reports that the 14-time Major winner is definitely playing in the Wells Fargo Championship in early May, Woods has registered to compete in this year’s US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Golfweek reports. Woods filed on April 4 for the tournament, which runs June 16-19.
In recent weeks, speculation has ramped up regarding Woods return. Last week, Golf Digest (US) writer Tim Rosaforte mentioned the possibility of Tiger playing at Quail Hollow on May 5-8; another tournament that makes sense is the Memorial, which Woods has won five times.
Woods hasn’t played on tour since the Wyndham Championship in August. The last time the US Open was held at Oakmont in 2007, Woods finished one stroke behind Angel Cabrera for the title.
Based on his progress it makes sense @TigerWoods comes back sooner than later. Indications point to @WellsFargoGolf–@THEPLAYERSChamp return.
— Tim Rosaforte (@RosaforteGolf) April 22, 2016
Shortly after the tweet, Rosaforte said on Golf Channel that Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, responded by saying “Nothing has changed as of now,” indicating a return date hadn’t been picked. “There could be a change of heart at any time,” Rosaforte said. “But by all indications with my reporting . . . this is the logical choice, and this has a very good chance of happening.”
Woods missed the Masters earlier this month for the second time in three years. If he were to return next month, it would suggest that he plans on playing in the year’s final three Major championships.
Woods has competed in six US PGA Tour events at Quail Hollow, which is the site of the 2017 US PGA Championship. Woods won in 2007, but has missed the cut there in his previous two tries (2010 and 2012). North Carolina was also the site of Tiger’s last tournament. He finished T10 at the Wyndham Championship last August.
Rosaforte reported earlier in the week that Woods had been stepping up his practice schedule of late, including four-to-five hour sessions in which he played holes at his home course, Medalist Golf Club. On Thursday, he showed up at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in South Carolina and conducted a clinic. Woods went through the bag and didn’t hold back when hitting driver:
https://twitter.com/TwSpot/status/723287227711762433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
