Tiger Woods eyeing October return
By Carly Regehr
Following a recovery from microsurgery, Tiger Woods is hopeful to return by early October.
After suffering through highly-publicized hip and back injuries, Tiger Woods intends to participate in three tournaments later this year: the Safeway Open (CA), the Turkish Airlines Open and one in the Bahamas, which is sponsored by his foundation.
Eager to get the golf ball rolling, Woods also welcomed the mantra that “slow and steady wins the race.” And even though golf has been ingrained in his DNA since the 1990’s, Woods is starting to align his priorities.
Tiger Woods Reflects on His Recovery:
"“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.”"
With the introduction of these ailments, the question of whether or not they will serve as a handicap for Woods’ future becomes more visible. And since the early-2000’s, Woods has compiled a resume of shortcomings, starting in 2002 when fluid from the ACL of his left knee required drainage.
The four-time PGA Tour Champion, who will turn 40 in December, has been corrupted by back injuries since May 2010, so his time on the course might be permanently limited if the injuries continue to add up.
A former student at Stanford, Woods helped the Cardinals to a national golf championship in 1994. A year later, one of golf’s modern greats entered his first PGA Tour at the Masters. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for the 20-year-old as he placed 41st.
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In a dry spell since 2007, Woods’ career is coming to a close and injuries aren’t the only culprit. Paired with age and two children (Sam and Charlie), Woods needs to get comfortable with the reality that it’s time – time to hang up his Nike clubs sooner rather than later.