Woods to Return to Competition This Week


On Friday, Tiger Woods said he'll be returning to action in the Quicken Loans National, the event he hosts at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

It was a surprising announcement for the former No. 1, who underwent microdiscectomy surgery March 31 to alleviate pain caused by a pinched nerve in his back and has been in rehab ever since. His most recent comments on his likely return were that he'd be back "later this summer."

"After a lot of therapy, I have recovered well and will be supporting my foundation next week at the Quicken Loans National," Woods said on his Facebook page. "I've just started to hit full shots, but it's time to take the next step. I will be a bit rusty, but I want to play myself back into competitive shape. Excited for the challenge ahead."

The $6.5 million tournament starts next Thursday, and event officials are excited Woods will be back. "We have a great field of 120 players slated for the 2014 Quicken Loans National, and I can't wait for the week to begin," tournament director Mike Antolini said.

"Fans are going to have a front-row seat to exciting competition, and it's great to have Tiger playing this week to support the foundation and the event."