Tiger Woods 'unequivocally' wants to play professional golf again

Tiger Woods insists he "unequivocally" wants to play professional golf again but says he will be unable to "twist" for another three months.

The 14-time major winner underwent fusion surgery on his back just over a month ago to alleviate "ongoing pain in his back and leg" and has not played competitively since he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic in February due to back spasms.

Woods was expected to be out for around six months after the operation and while he says the procedure was a success, the 41-year-old insists he is prepared to take his time over his return.

"My surgeon and physiotherapist say the operation was successful," a statement on Woods' website said.

"It's just a matter of not screwing up and letting it fuse. I'm walking and doing my exercises, and taking my kids to and from school. All I can do is take it day by day. There's no hurry.

"But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again.

"Presently, I'm not looking ahead. I can't twist for another two and a half to three months. Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals."