Wednesday 18 May 2016 15:49, UK
Tiger Woods feels his game is showing signs of progress, but he still has not set a date on a potential return to action.
The 14-time major champion hasn't featured on the PGA Tour since August's Wyndham Championship, where a tied-10th finish saw him miss out on qualifying for the FedExCup play-offs.
Woods underwent two procedures on his back in September and October last year, with the American previously revealing he didn't know when or if he would next be back in action.
The former World No 1 was seen hitting shots with a nine-iron on his home simulator back in February and fuelled speculation about a potential competitive return last month by playing five holes with Mark O'Meara at Bluejack National Golf Club.
Woods was speaking at the media day for next month's Quicken Loans National, where his foundation hosts the event, and his tough road back was highlighted when he hit three balls into the water in front of a group of journalists.
The former world No 1 said: "I have been practising at home and have been progressing nicely.
"I'm hoping to play, but I don't know if I'm going to play. If I knew (a return date), I'd tell you, because it'd be fun to know."
"I'm still trying to get stronger. I'm hitting the ball better and everything about my game is coming around, but it's just a matter of being more consistent.
"I miss being out here inside the ropes and miss competing against these guys. It's a long way away, but hopefully I can get back out and compete at that high level."
The 40-year-old, now world No 524, took part in a hole-in-one challenge as part of the media day, but saw all three of his attempts from 102 yards end up in the water hazard in front of the green.
Woods has provisionally registered for the US Open, which takes place at Oakmont from June 16-19, while the Quicken Loans National takes place at Congressional Country Club the following week.
