TIGER WOODS SAYS he is pain-free ahead of his latest return to professional golf but admits his body is still adapting to ankle fusion surgery.
The 15-time major champion underwent treatment in April last year after withdrawing from the Masters during the third round and did not compete again until the Hero World Challenge in December.
Former world number one Woods is on Thursday set to play his first PGA Tour event of 2024, at the Genesis Invitational in California.
The 48-year-old, who previously said he expects to participate in one event per month this year, continues to enjoy the sport and wants to play for as long as possible.
“My ankle doesn’t hurt any more,” he told a press conference. “The bones aren’t rubbing any more.
“But then again it’s different, other parts of my body have to take the brunt of it, just like my back is fused and so other parts of my body have taken the brunt of that.
“I have two different body parts that are now fused. Other parts of the body have to adapt.
“As far as the love, I still love competing, I love playing, I love being a part of the game of golf.
“This is the game of a lifetime and I don’t ever want to stop playing.”
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Would love to see him win another three majors, just to equal Jack. Woods is without doubt one of the two best players to ever play the game and deserves to be equal first. He dominated the game and forced courses to be changed, lengthened, and made more difficult because of his power.
@Brian Keelty: would like to see it but I would think that shipped has sailed now. Maybe can be proven wrong!
Serious golfer and a top top shagger!
@Woowee: Your Mammy tell you that ?
Remarkable the effect he continues to have on golf.
If he stays fit and plays for another few years the profile of golf will shoot up again.
I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behaviour.
@Daniel Murphy: Must be great to be perfect?.The man nearly lost his life id say he’s paid his dues!
@Daniel Murphy: yawn