12-17-2019, 02:52 AM
Feeling rusty but ready to play again, Tiger Woods said Friday he would return to competition next week at Congressional in the Quicken Loans National. Vegas Golden Knights Shirts . Woods last played on March 9 at Doral, where he dealt with pain in his lower back and closed with a 78 for his highest final-round score on the PGA Tour. He had back surgery March 31, forcing him to miss the Masters for the first time. He also missed the U.S. Open last week at Pinehurst No. 2. The announcement on his Facebook page delivered a jolt of good news to golf. Woods has been the games biggest draw since he turned pro in 1996, and with limited information about his recovery, speculation was starting to build that he might not make it to any majors this year. "After a lot of therapy, I have recovered well and will be supporting my foundation next week at the Quicken Loans National," Woods said on Facebook. "Ive just started to hit full shots, but its time to take the next step. I will be a bit rusty, but I want to play myself back into competitive shape. Excited for the challenge ahead." This is the first year for a new title sponsor at the PGA Tour event that donates its charity money to the Tiger Woods Foundation, and the tournament earlier this year secured an agreement to return to Congressional every other year through 2020. Woods on Thursday announced that he signed a new endorsement deal with MusclePharm, which will display its logo on his golf bag. "He has been the face of golf for the last 15, 20 years, and golf is a better sport and a better place with Tiger Woods in it," two-time major champion Rory McIlroy said last week at the U.S. Open. "So hopefully, he has a speedy recovery and he gets back on the course soon, because any tournament where Tiger Woods is a factor, he creates a big buzz." This is the second-longest break Woods has taken from golf because of injury. He missed the second half of the 2008 season when he had reconstructive surgery on his left knee just a week after winning the U.S. Open for his 14th major. Even though he spent the off-season working on his body, there were signs early that something might be wrong. He missed the 54-hole cut at Torrey Pines, where he was the defending champion and an eight-time winner at one of his favourite courses. He had his worst finish ever at Dubai when he tied for 41st. Then, he withdrew in the final round of the Honda Classic because of back spasms, and despite being in the penultimate group at Doral, he struggled badly with his back on the final day after taking a swing from an awkward stance outside a bunker. Woods had microdiscectomy surgery a week before the Masters, and he has said in rare appearances that he did not know how long it would take to properly heal. His agent, Mark Steinberg at Excel Sports Management, said earlier this week that Woods was making enough progress to extend his swing. Even so, playing the Quicken Loans National was thought to be too soon. It couldnt come soon enough for the tournament. "Were thrilled, obviously," said Mike Antolini, the tournament director and vice-president of championships for the Tiger Woods Foundation. "Anytime you get that call and Tiger is in your field, its really the best news you can get. The fact hes a two-time champion and the tournament hosts, were very excited for the fans." He said he expected a spike in ticket sales with Fridays announcement. The strength of Quicken Loans National field has suffered in recent years as more Europeans moved into the top 20 in the world, and they headed across the Atlantic Ocean as the European Tour headed places like Ireland, France and Scotland leading up to the British Open. Adam Scott, who has replaced Woods at No. 1 in the world while he has been out, is not planning to return to Congressional this year. "To be honest, we were prepared regardless for a good event," Antolini said. "Our ticket sales, we think theyre going to be increased on this news now." Three years ago, Woods withdrew after nine holes at The Players Championship because of an Achilles tendon injury and missed more than two months. He said then he had learned from past mistakes and would not try to return before he was in full health. Assuming he is at full strength now, he likely will be at the British Open at Royal Liverpool and the PGA Championship at Valhalla, where he won majors the last time they were held on those courses. Woods been stuck on 14 majors since that 08 U.S. Open victory. Woods is at No. 207 in the FedEx Cup -- having played only three events -- and could have as many as five events to reach the top 125. He also is at No. 67 in the Ryder Cup standings. U.S. captain Tom Watson has said he would use a wild-card pick on Woods, though he had eased off that position in recent weeks when the status of Woods recovery was unknown. Vegas Golden Knights Pro Shop . A top pitching prospect, one who the ball club is pinning some of its future hopes, takes the spot of a veteran who once was viewed as a future ace but who, to this point, hasnt realized his potential and may never. Golden Knights Jerseys 2020 . "We cannot stay the same way the whole season long," said Reyes. "This is not acceptable. Something needs to change because were a better team than what were showing right now. Its a long season and we just need to continue to push." Its been a frustrating week for the ballclub. https://www.cheapgoldenknights.com/ . The Laval Rouge et Or defensive back/kick-returner gained the invitation following his showing Sunday at an NFL regional combine in Baltimore.Andy Murray takes on Milos Raonic in the Paris Masters semi-final on Sky Sports 3 on Saturday knowing victory will take him to the top of the world rankings. The Scot heads into the last four in the form of his career and on the back of a 18-game winning streak that has seen him claim titles in Beijing, Shanghai and Vienna - and he will look to claim a fourth in succession should he make the final in Paris.But it will be a semi-final unlike any other for the 29-year-old as victory will also confirm him as the world No 1, ending Novak Djokovics 122-week reign and becoming both the first Briton to hold the position and the oldest man to claim the ranking for the first time. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract. Standing in his way will be a familiar face in the shape of big-serving Canadian Raonic. The pair have met five times this season, Murray winning them all including a memorable 6-4 7-6 7-6 victory in the Wimbledon final.The Scot also beat the 25-year-old in the final at Queens, the quarter-final in Monte Carlo, the semi-finals at the Australian Open and most recently in the last four in Cincinnati and his run of wins stretches to seven matches since Raonics last win at Indian Wells in 2014. Murray is one match away from being world No 1 after beating Tomas Berdych 7-6 7-5 in the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters Murrays quarter-final win over Tomas Berdych was also a career best 72nd win of the season, improving on the 71 that he managed in 2015.Murray has already claimed Wimbledon and Olympic titles among another career-best of seven tournament victories in 2016, while Paris represents his 13th semi-final of a phenomenal year. Murrays Magnificent Year A look back at Andy Murrays brilliant 2016 season In the other semi-final, Marin Cilic will take on John Isner looking to build on a first ever victory over Novak Djokovic, which has hnanded Murray his chance. Highlights of Berdych v Murray Cilic beat Murray to claim a first Masters title earlier this year and has returned to the form that landed him the 2014 US Open over the last couple of months, culminating in his semi-final run in Paris which has sealed a place at the season-end World Tour Finals. Cheap Golden Knights Jerseys. Isner too has enjoyed a strong run of form to reach his seventh Masters semi-final and a win will see him into his first 1000 Series final since Cincinnati in 2013 Highlights of Novak Djokovic v Marin Cilic However, it is Cilic who holds the upper hand, winning all six meetings between the pair.You can follow all the action on Sky Sports 3 from 1pm on Saturday, or with our live blog right here at http://www.skysports.com/tennis Live ATP Masters Tennis November 5, 2016, 1:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Also See: Murray beats Berdych in Paris Cilic stuns Djokovic to reach last four Murrays magnificent year Tennis on Sky Sports ' ' '