Search icon

Sport

22nd Dec 2015

A defiant Tiger Woods eyes return to playing in 2016

Tony Cuddihy

Tiger Woods is singing a very different tune from a few weeks ago, now insisting that he can put his injury nightmare behind him.

A downbeat Woods recently hinted that he may never play at the top level again and there was no end in sight to the nerve problems that decimated his 2015.

Now, however, he believes he can not only act as vice captain for the United States’ Ryder Cup team in 2016, but participate as a player too.

“It was a tough year physically and took a toll on my body. I had to battle through a swing pattern change and get that organized, because it was awful at the beginning of the year. I didn’t play for the longest time because I was stuck,” he wrote on his official website.

“The frustrating part was not being able to build on it throughout the year. To finally have it switch and turn in the last event I played at the Wyndham Championship, and then lo and behold, I can’t physically do it anymore.

“I’ve had two back surgeries since then, so it’s been a roller-coaster ride the entire year, from being down to some pretty darn good highs.

“The thing I’m looking forward to the most about 2016 is getting back out there again. I’ve missed it, and I would like to do it pain-free. I haven’t done that in what seems like a long time. I’ve had it in spurts the last few years and have done some pretty good things, but I’d like to have sustained health.”

Writing about the Ryder Cup in Minnesota, he added: “Hopefully, I’ll be able to play my way onto the Ryder Cup Team. Either way, I’m excited about being an assistant captain. It will be new, fun and special. To have Davis appoint and trust me is pretty special.

“Where do I see myself in the next five to 10 years? I am still playing golf at the highest level and winning tournaments and major championships.”

Topics:

Golf,Tiger Woods