When is Tiger Woods coming back?
‘I WALK AND I WALK AND THAT’S IT’
Speaking in December 2015 Tiger revealed that he spent most of his time playing video games and, for rehab from two back surgeries, “I walk and I walk and that’s it.”
The picture became even more bleaker when he added: “There’s nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build towards. Where’s the light at the end of the tunnel? I don’t know.”
Since then there have been sightings of the now World No 615, some with a club in hand, but we are now into August and are no nearer to knowing when the great one will be back.
FEBRUARY 24
Seven weeks after turning 40 Woods tweeted a video of him swinging a 9-iron in a simulator with the caption, ‘Progressing nicely.’ It came after speculation that Woods’ recuperation had hit a setback.
Progressing nicely. pic.twitter.com/HKnnluR1OW
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 24, 2016
MARCH 2
Announces that he has been chipping and putting at home, and is up to hitting 9-irons – “My son and I have three-hole chipping contests. The loser has to do push-ups. My short game feels pretty sharp.”
MARCH 11
A month ahead of Augusta and more positive noises – might he make it back in time? “I’m working hard on my short game and on my indoor Full Swing golf simulator. I’m excited to get back out there with the guys.”
APRIL 1
But not just yet…”After assessing the present condition of my back and consulting with my team I’ve decided it’s prudent to miss this year’s Masters.” He does attend the Champions Dinner. “I’ve been hitting balls and training daily, but I’m not physically ready.”
APRIL 25
He’s back (playing five holes at the opening of his new course)! Maybe Sawgrass beckons..“I couldn’t imagine then (December) feeling like I do right now. Keep improving. Keep getting better.”
MAY 16
He’s back (promoting his upcoming Quicken Loans National event at Congressional)! He wrapped things up by attempting a ceremonial shot at the par-3 10th hole – and dumped three wedges in the pond.
Tiger Woods Hit Three Balls Into the Water at Presser, Still Uncertain When He'll Return pic.twitter.com/82siaMyiks
— SportsCast (@SportsCast_THN) May 16, 2016
JUNE 7
The US Open is the next WD, likewise Congressional – “I’m not yet ready for tournament competition.” By missing Oakmont he will have been forced out of four of the last 10 Majors due to back troubles.
JULY 1
On May 26 we knew that Tiger had entered the Open Championship. A little over a month later the R&A announced that he would not be at Troon and just a few days later he withdrew from the PGA Championship. His last appearance remains August 2015, the wait goes on…
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
