Golf

Tiger Woods completes 'intensive program'

Woods has not played in a professional event since February due to back trouble and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he was found asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes on May 29 in Jupiter, Florida.

The 14-time major winner attributed his condition to an "unexpected reaction" to the mix of medications he was on following back surgery.

Woods said last month he was receiving professional help to manage his medications and issued a further update on Monday.

Woods has more back surgery

The 41-year-old said in a statement he had an operation to alleviate "ongoing pain in his back and leg".

"The surgery went well, and I'm optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain," the 14-time major winner announced on his official website.

"When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing in professional golf and living without the pain I have been battling so long."

Woods has not played competitively since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic at the start of February due to back spasms.

Woods desperate to play Masters

Woods, speaking during an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America", returned to the PGA Tour in January after a 17-month absence but has struggled with a nagging back problem.

"I'm trying everything I can just to be able to get back and play," Woods said when asked if he thought he had a chance of playing in the Masters in just over two weeks.

"I love that event. It's meant so much to me in my life. It's the first major I ever played back in '95. It has so much history and meaning to me that I'd love to get back."

Tiger Woods pulls out of Arnold Palmer Invitational with back injury

Woods has not played since withdrawing from last month's Dubai Desert Classic because of back spasms, part of a recurring injury that has plagued his ca

Group wants Olympic golf venue changed

The Japan Golf Council, unaffiliated with the sport's domestic governing body, the Japan Golf Association -- said on Tuesday that it had sent a letter to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach proposing an alternative venue.

The membership policy "is quite contrary to the spirit of the Olympic Games," said Eiko Ohya, chairwoman of the council.

The Kasumigaseki Country Club, a private club in neighbouring Saitama prefecture, lets women play Monday through Saturday but bars them from becoming full members and from playing on Sundays.

Mcllroy gives perfect explanation for Tiger’s success

Woods, who is set to make his PGA Tour return at the Hero World Challenge in December, has won more WGC events than any other golfer in history.

With 18 wins in these competitions, he has 15 more than the next closest (Dustin Johnson and Geoff Ogilvy have three).

McIlroy was asked why Woods found so much success in these events and he did not hold back.

"Honestly I think because of the no-cut format," McIlroy said. "I think that's probably a big thing to do with it. You play with a little more freedom.

USA enjoying having Tiger, even without a golf club

Wednesday marked the second day of practice rounds at Hazeltine National Golf Club, and Woods was once again an accessible presence on the course for players to talk to for advice.

Woods followed the group consisting of Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar for the second straight day, but players outside of that pod have enjoyed his presence as well.

Phil Mickelson spoke about Woods' influence in the locker room, and his desire to help the team play their best golf.

Fiji golfer Sam Lee to come out swinging

 The 26 year old made his professional debut 18 months ago at the New Zealand PGA Championship and also competed on home soil at the Fiji International.

But after missing out at qualifying school he has spent the bulk of 2016 at home reshaping his game.

"I''ve had a few ups and downs...I've had just a lot of time just to really figure things out and work out and get my game back to where I want it," he said.

'We are a little rusty' - Love laughs off Woods being final Ryder Cup pick

Love announced the selections of Rickie Fowler, JB Holmes and Matt Kuchar for the playing line-up at a media conference on Monday, with the captain to make one more pick following the conclusion of the Tour Championship on September 25 to club the US line-up.

Kuchar playfully suggested it could go to Woods, who last week announced his intention to return to competitive action at the Safeway Open in October having been out since August 2015 with a back injury.

Woods targets October return

The 14-time major champion has been out of action since August 2015 due to a back injury, but is planning to tee off at the Silverado Resort and Spa in California on October 13 after playing in the Tiger Woods Invitational on the Monterey Peninsula earlier that week.

Former world number one Woods also aims to play in the Turkish Airlines Open in November and the Hero World Challenge, an event hosted to benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation, in the Bahamas a month later.