Justin Rose says Tiger Woods in 'good shape' ahead of return
By Sky Sports Golf
Last Updated: 24/11/17 8:13am
Justin Rose has revealed Tiger Woods is in “good shape” ahead of his latest comeback from injury at the Hero World Challenge next week.
Woods makes his first competitive appearance since February as part of an 18-man field in the Bahamas, having undergone back surgery for a fourth time in three years.
The 14-time major champion has only made three starts since August 2015 and has since dropped outside of the world's top 1,000, but Rose believes Woods is in a good place ahead of his return.
"I saw him a couple of weeks ago, he looked good," Rose said at the Hong Kong Open on Friday. "A couple of my friends have been playing with him and said that he's in good shape.
"It's always difficult coming off a full year or whatever it's been without a scorecard in your hand. But he looks fit, healthy and I think from there he can play golf, right?
"He's obviously got all the talent in the world and I think he's motivated too, which is great. If he puts his mind to something I'm sure he can achieve what his goals are."
Woods was forced to withdraw mid-tournament in his last start at the Dubai Desert Classic, although has released a series of videos on social media over recent months showing progress in his game.
The 41-year-old hosts the invitational event in Albany, where the tournament raises money for Woods' charity, with Rose - who also features - looking forward to seeing Woods in action.
"It's obviously great to have Tiger back, it's the perfect event for him to come back to," Rose added. "It's obviously a very small field. It's pretty low-key, if there's ever a low-key tournament for him.
"It's just great to see him back feeling good within himself, and his golf can build from there. If he performs like he did last time at the Hero that would be fantastic.
"I think he had 24 birdies. He led the field in birdies. He obviously had a bunch of mistakes which come from rustiness, but if we see that type of form that will be very encouraging."
Watch Tiger Woods' return at the Hero World Challenge live from November 30-December 3 on Sky Sports. Coverage begins on Thursday November 30 from 5.30pm on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.
