Tiger Woods Aiming For 2016 Return To Competition

Tiger Woods is looking forward to 2016, outlining his desire to make America’s Ryder Cup team and to get back in the mix for major titles.

Woods turns 40 later this month and has been plagued by rumours of retirement as form and fitness continue to block his path back to the top.

Tiger Woods

Having won 14 majors, Woods remains headline news in golf and his next move is forever debated and, when he was named as one of Davis Love III’s vice-captains for the Ryder Cup, it gave a hint that his time in the upper echelons might be over.

But writing a review of his year on his official website, Woods said nothing could be further from the truth.

“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 said.

“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.”

On the Ryder Cup, to be played in Minnesota, Woods 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.”