Tiger Woods News, Schedule: Golf Great Announces Return To Tour After Long Injury Layoff

Tiger Woods plans to return to competitive golf next month, after more than a year out with injury. The 14-time Major winner hopes to compete at the Safeway Open PGA Tour event at Silverado Resort in Napa, California on Oct. 13-16, according to a release on his website on Wednesday. Woods, who has undergone multiple surgeries on his back since his last event in August 2015, also announced his intention to play the Turkish Airlines Open (Nov. 3-6) and the Hero World Challenge (Dec. 1-4). Prior to that, the 40-year-old will take part in the Tiger Woods Invitational on Oct. 10-11.

“My rehabilitation is to the point where I'm comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do," Woods said. "Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery. My hope is to have my game ready to go. I'm looking forward to going to California for my foundation event and Safeway. I'm also excited to return to Turkey and Albany. It could be a fun fall.

"It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn't rush it. It was great spending time with my children Sam and Charlie, and also working on a lot of projects including golf-course design, the upcoming 20th anniversary of my foundation and my book about the 1997 Masters. But I missed competing. I want to thank all the fans for their kindness and concern. I've been a pro about 20 years, and their support has never waned."

Woods, who failed to make the cut in his last three Major appearances, missed all four Majors this year and has not won one of golf’s four premier prizes since 2008. He did not play on the PGA Tour at all during the 2015-2016 season.