Tiger Woods issues surprise fitness update

Tiger Woods has provided an out-of-the-blue update on his fitness.

In a surprise move, the 15-time major champion provided a statement to the Associated Press on the state of his health as speculation that he is set for an imminent competitive comeback continue to mount.

Woods has been sidelined since undergoing a subtalar fusion on his right ankle shortly after The Masters in April.

“My ankle is fine,” he revealed. “Where they fused my ankle, I have absolutely zero issue whatsoever. That pain is completely gone. It’s the other areas that have been compensated for.

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“But all the surrounding areas are where I had all my problems and still do. You fix one, others have to become more hypermobile to get around it, and it can lead to some issues.”

Woods offered no clues as to when he might return to golf but hopes were raised that he might make his comeback either at the Hero World Challenge or PNC Championship next month after he was spotted walking freely whilst caddying for son Charlie in a junior event in Florida last weekend.

“I’m pretty sore after caddying for four days,” he added. “It was a flat course, thank God.”

Whilst there remains no timetable for a return to the tour, Woods’ fans can look forward to seeing the former world No.1 competing on he and Rory McIlroy’s new TGL Golf League when it launches in January.

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Woods was today announced as the owner and first of four players for the sixth and final TGL side, Jupiter Links Golf Club.

“Through its use of technology, TGL is a modern twist of traditional golf and ultimately will make the sport I love more accessible,” said the 47-year-old.

“Having the opportunity to not only compete, but also own a team to represent Jupiter is an exciting next chapter for me.

“I expect Jupiter Links GC to showcase the golf culture of my hometown as we compete against the best players in the world.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor