Tiger Sets Return for Bridgestone Invitational


After a three-month rehabilitation stint, Tiger Woods will make his return to competition in next week's WGC- Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, a course where he has logged seven of his 71 career victories on the PGA Tour.

Woods made the announcement on his website (www.tigerwoods.com). "I'm excited to get back out there," said Woods, who has not played since withdrawing after only nine holes in the Players Championship on May 12 when he sustained a mild medial collateral ligament strain on his left knee and aggravating a strained left Achilles tendon.

Woods posted a tweet on his Twitter account confirming his return. "Feeling fit and ready to tee it up at Firestone next week. Excited to get back out there!"

Before playing Firestone, Woods will need a new caddie after firing long-time looper Steve Williams last week. The Golf Channel reported Thursday night that Bryon Bell, a childhood friend and president of Tiger Woods Design, might serve that role at the Bridgestone Invitational. Bell worked with Woods in 1999, 2000 and in 2003, when he gave Williams the week off to drive his race car in New Zealand.

Woods has not won on the PGA Tour since his epic victory at the U.S. Open in 2008.