Tiger not close to returning to golf

Sep 22, 2017 - 7:24 PM Tiger Woods offered an update on his progress in a personal blog post on his website Friday indicating he is still nowhere close to returning to competitive golf.

The 41-year-old Woods, a 14-time major champion, said he is not hitting full golf shots and does not have a timetable for his attempted comeback from a fourth back surgery.

"I'm starting to hit the ball a little further -- 60-yard shots. I have not taken a full swing since my back fusion surgery last April, but continue to chip and putt every day," Woods wrote in a long "Tiger's Blog" post.

"I'm working out six days a week, alternating between the treadmill, bike riding, swimming and lifting twice a day. My muscle tone is coming back, but I'm not in golf shape yet. That's going to take time."

Woods has not competed since withdrawing after an opening-round 77 at the Dubai Desert Classic in early February.

"I have my six-month back X-rays coming up," Woods wrote. "Once my surgeon takes a look, he'll give me the parameters of what I can do moving forward.

"Playing wise, I'm not looking ahead yet because I don't know what kind of swing I'm going to use. I just don't know what my body is going to allow me to do. Until I do, I'm going to listen to my doctors and continue to take it slowly."

Woods will be on site for next week's Presidents Cup at Liberty National in Jersey City, N.J., where he will serve as a U.S. assistant captain under Steve Stricker, a role he first held at last year's Ryder Cup under Davis Love.

"It will be great to be around the guys and try to help our team any way I can to win," Woods wrote. "I had a blast doing it last year at the Ryder Cup and we have another great captain in Steve Stricker. We tried to keep the band together with Jim Furyk, Davis Love III and myself, and added Fred Couples, to maintain consistency and unity."

Woods began his blog with a message of support to all those affected by the recent natural disasters.

"I want to express my sympathy and concern for all who have been affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the earthquake in Mexico," Woods wrote. "Many lives have been lost, families disrupted and displaced, and I want to send my sincere condolences. I want to thank all the first responders and volunteers who continue to provide assistance to those in need during these difficult times.

"I think everyone on the PGA Tour has a connection to someone in one of the geographic areas that got hit. I designed a golf course outside of Houston (Bluejack National) and have friends in the area, as well as throughout Florida and up into Georgia and South Carolina. The damage to their homes, power outages and debris has been staggering. Stay strong. We are all behind you."

Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence near his home in Florida on Memorial Day. Toxicology reports revealed Woods had Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in his system at the time of the arrest.