OUT OF THE WOODS

Tiger Woods confirms shock return to golf NEXT MONTH at Hero World Challenge alongside Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth

Woods will return to action on December 1 at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

The 15-time Major champion has not played since missing the cut at The Open at St Andrews in July.

Tiger, who hosts the tournament and has won it five times, said: “I am excited to announce I will be in the field for this year’s Hero World Challenge. See you soon at Albany!”

The 46-year-old has cherry-picked his events following leg and ankle surgery after a bad car crash in February 2021.

The star had feared he may never be able to walk again after the accident but has since made an incredible comeback.

Tiger had also previously indicated he would not play again this year before his announcement today.

The December tournament will bring to an end his four-month absence from major golf events.

He will make a further appearance a week later on December 10 in “The Match”, an exhibition that will feature Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Woods’ participation is a good sign of his fitness and indicates golf fans could be seeing more of him in 2022.

McIlroy had previously suggested that the golfer could be back and roaring to go soon.

He told Golf and Turismo: “Tiger overall is fine.

“He is still working hard on his rehabilitation. The road is long but improving day by day.

“After the Open Championship he had to take a break, but I think he can be back by the end of the year, maybe at the Hero World Challenge.”– The Sun.