Woods on the mend but has 'a lot of work ahead'

Tiger Woods has again expressed a determination to return to the peak of his powers but knows he has "a lot of work ahead" as he steps up his recovery from back surgery.

Published : Mar 03, 2016 18:02 IST , Jupiter Island (Florida)

The 14-time major champion's agent, Mark Steinberg, last week rubbished reports that the former world number one had suffered a significant setback.
The 14-time major champion's agent, Mark Steinberg, last week rubbished reports that the former world number one had suffered a significant setback.
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The 14-time major champion's agent, Mark Steinberg, last week rubbished reports that the former world number one had suffered a significant setback.

Tiger Woods has again expressed a determination to return to the peak of his powers but knows he has "a lot of work ahead" as he steps up his recovery from back surgery.

The 14-time major champion's agent, Mark Steinberg, last week rubbished reports that the former world number one had suffered a significant setback.

Woods, 40, then posted a video of himself practising on a golf simulator, adding that he was "progressing nicely".

The legendary American, who has not played competitively since the Wyndham Championship last August, gave another update on his progress on Wednesday, while again stopping short of announcing a likely return date.

He revealed on his website: "As I announced last week, I am starting to feel a lot better. I have been chipping and putting at home, and recently started hitting 9 irons. That's been so nice. After all, Florida is the Sunshine State.

"My son Charlie and I compete in just about everything and have three-hole chipping contests. The loser has to do push-ups. My short game feels pretty sharp.

"The big thing right now is trying to get stronger and more flexible. Sitting out as long as I did, some weakening occurred, and I have a lot of work ahead of me.

"While there is no timetable on my return to competitive golf, I want to play this game at the highest level again. In order to do that, I have to get healthy.

"I've received many nice calls and texts from my fellow PGA Tour players and want to thank them for their support and encouragement. It's a fraternity out there, and we're all in this together."

Injury update

At a subsequent news conference, Woods elaborated on the improvement in his condition.

"It's a heck of a lot better," he added. "When I was there in December at the Hero [World Challenge], I wasn't feeling very good and you could see it all over me. I couldn't play with my kids, I wasn't able to throw and play catch with my son. What father and son doesn't play catch? These are things that I couldn't do.

"Can I do them now, yeah. Am I sprinting back and forth with them? No, I can't keep up with them - they're out running and there are things that I can't do, but I'm getting there and I'm able to participate more in their lives.

"One thing I do know is that I am progressing. I'm getting better, I'm getting stronger. And I have to just take it day by day. Hopefully I can get out here sooner rather than later. Eventually it's getting to the elite level and playing out here with the guys and that's going to take some work.

"I have to be [patient]. That wasn't always the case. Have I pushed through a lot of different things? Yeah, I have. But has it cost me? Yeah, I believe it has. But that's what athletes do."

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