Tiger Woods says lack of back pain ‘just remarkable’ ahead of return

Tiger Woods says lack of back pain ‘just remarkable’ ahead of return

Tiger Woods will play in the Hero World Challenge this week, marking the first time in nine months that he will play competitively.

However, the even more surprising feat for the former world No. 1 is the lack of pain he is in after spending so long battling back problems that have limited him both on and off the course.

“The fact that I don’t have any pain in my lower back anymore compared to what I was living with for years … it’s just remarkable,” Woods said, per ESPN.com.

Big Cat in the Bahamas.@TigerWoods getting ready for his return this morning at the Hero World Challenge. pic.twitter.com/MGQrRag5sH

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 27, 2017

Woods’ return this week will make it the 10th time he has returned from layoffs that were 10 weeks or longer. His latest layoff was a result of his fourth back surgery, which was in April, to remove a disk that was causing nerve pain.

“It’s been a struggle for years. To finally come out on the good side of it is exciting. I am stiffer. Of course, [his lower back is] fused. But I don’t have the pain. Life is so much better.”

Woods only started to take full swings two months ago, but according to Rickie Fowler, Woods is out-distancing him in practice rounds.

“I haven’t really competed in almost two years, really, Woods said. “I haven’t really done much. I’m looking forward to competing again and trying to find the rhythm and feel of tournament golf. Just hitting shots. I haven’t really had a scorecard in my hand in a while. That’s going to be different.