According to his agent Mark Steinberg, Tiger Woods has begun light chipping and putting and has had no physical setbacks since his surgery just over three weeks ago.
Woods hasn’t played in a tournament since early March at Trump National Doral, where he followed up a 3rd round 66 with a an uncharacteristic 6-over par 78. During the final round, Tiger’s physical discomfort was evident and because of it, he was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational (a tournament he’s won 8 times) and then a few weeks later, The Masters.
During the week of The Masters, Woods’ camp announced that he had undergone a surgical procedure on his back to alleviate pressure on a pinched nerve. His timetable for return after the procedure was met with a great deal of speculation — leaving many fans of golf wondering when they’d be able to see him play again.
Some medical experts said the recovery could take two months while others said it could take the entire year. However, with a report surfacing this past week that Tiger is eyeing The Open Championship at Hoylake in July for his return to golf, fans of the game can breath a sigh of relief.
To say Tiger Woods’ effect on golf has been noticeable since his medical leave would be an understatement. Media companies reported a 25 to 30 percent drop in viewership during The Masters — largely attributed to his absence. In addition, experts estimate that if the trend continues, the $68.8 billion golf industry could lose as much as $15 billion (most of which would be represented by fewer sponsors and less advertisements).
In any case, Hoylake would be a logical return for Tiger’s return to the game. The last time the venue hosted the The Open Championship in 2006, he won. But news of his return is bittersweet. For many fans, Woods is the reason that they even tune into a tournament at all and with the The Open not happening until the middle of July, the waiting game continues.
So if you are a fan of golf, or Tiger Woods for that matter, pencil it into your notebook –No Tiger at The Players’ Championship in May and no Tiger at The Memorial or the U.S. Open in June.