IT’S ‘Hello, world’ the sequel. Tiger Woods has ended speculation of an early retirement by announcing on his website that he “hopes” to play the US PGA Tour’s 2016/17 season opener, the Safeway Open on October 13-16.
The 14-time Major champion also stated his intentions to play the Turkish Airlines Open, November 3-6, in Antalya, Turkey, and the Tiger Woods Foundation-run Hero World Challenge, December 1-4, at Albany in the Bahamas.
The 79-times US PGA Tour winner claims he will “participate” in the Tiger Woods Invitational on October 10-11, though he did not state in what capacity.
“My rehabilitation is to the point where I’m comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do,” Woods wrote in a statement on tiger woods.com. “Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery. My hope is to have my game ready to go.
“I’m looking forward to going to California for my foundation event and Safeway. I’m also excited to return to Turkey and Albany. It could be a fun fall (autumn).”
Hoping to play in Napa, Turkey, and Hero in the Bahamas. Can't wait to compete again. https://t.co/cuNUTQv0NW
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 7, 2016
Woods said there were no regrets about his delayed recovery from microdiscectomy surgery for a pinched nerve on his back, with time dedicated to his children, golf course design business and writing an autobiographical account of his historic 1997 Masters victory.
“It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn’t rush it.
“It was great spending time with my children Sam and Charlie, and also working on a lot of projects including golf-course design, the upcoming 20th anniversary of my foundation and my book about the 1997 Masters.
But I missed competing. I want to thank all the fans for their kindness and concern. I’ve been a pro about 20 years, and their support has never waned.”
