Tiger Woods Set to Return to the Hero World Challenge
After a four-month break due to a back injury, golf superstar Tiger Woods is set to make his return.
"I feel great. I feel really, really good. It's great to be back out here competing again, " Woods, 38, told SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio reported by the Los Angeles Times. "I can finally log in the time, log in the minutes, and really delve into a good practice session and really get a lot out of it. And that's something that I hadn't been able to do in quite some time."
Woods' first stop is the Hero World Challenge, which started on Dec. 1 and will end on Dec. 7. His return to the game came with a few changes. First, Woods fired his swing coach Sean Foley in August and hired Chris Como. Como helped Woods modify his swing, which he describes as something new but also old. Second, Woods made equipment changes. Expert Jonathan Wall with PGATour.com explained these changes, according to CBS Sports:
"Woods...will put a Nike Vapor Speed prototype driver, Vapor Speed fairway woods (3- and 5-wood) and Vapor Pro blade irons in play at Isleworth Golf & Country Club. He will also switch to Nike's RZN Black ball. The switch to Nike's RZN Black ball likely won't receive the same fanfare as the club changes, but it could be the most important switch for Woods, especially when you consider he played the One Tour D model for five years."
The former No.1 golfer will be going up against some of the sport's biggest names, including Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Jordan Spieth. Spieth, 21, just won the Australian Open last weekend.
"We're thrilled about the depth and talent of our field," Woods said according to Xinhua.
Woods has been dealing with his back these past few months. He underwent back surgery during the spring and exited the PGA tour in August. So far, Woods has only participated in seven events this year.
In his career, Woods has won 14 majors and 79 PGA titles.