'Rehabilitation' Woods "When is the 2022 PGA Tour comeback?"

PNC Championship Appearance 10 Months After February Car Accident, Tour After August Next Year "Keyword Is Physical Condition"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Will he be able to participate in the 2022 PGA Tour?"

The American golf media is already on high alert regarding the comeback timing of the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA). After a car rollover accident last February, he appeared at the PGA Tour event PNC Championship with his son Charlie for the first time in 10 months, raising expectations. Having spent three months bedridden and overcoming a long treatment and rehabilitation process involving a wheelchair and crutches, he has drawn even more spotlight.

In fact, just holding a club is astonishing. Woods actually moved around in a golf cart and showed signs of discomfort after the tee shot on the 16th hole of the first round. Caddie LaCava introduced, "There is still pain, so he is not yet at the level to compete in the PGA Tour." For now, completing the second round was meaningful. Although the format was a scramble where two players each hit a tee shot and then take the second shot from a good position, they finished with 10 under par on the first day and 15 under par on the second day, securing second place.

While the driving distance was lacking, the short game was as good as in his prime. LaCava expressed optimism, saying, "His distance control and touch within 100 yards remain intact," and "He will regain his long-hitting power once his physical strength recovers." Woods himself said, "I need more rehabilitation for leg strength to walk through four rounds," and vowed, "To challenge for a PGA Tour win, I have to practice hitting thousands, tens of thousands of balls going forward."

For now, the first half of next year is too soon. It is interesting that Woods usually prefers specific tournaments such as the four major championships, the 'fifth major' The Players Championship, the World Golf Championships (WGC) series, and the Memorial Tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus. The Masters is especially his 'winning stronghold.' He has claimed the title five times: 1997, back-to-back in 2001 and 2002, 2005, and 2019. The 2019 victory was a highlight, as it was his first major win in 11 years since the 2008 US Open.

The problem is the notorious uphill and downhill course at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, a fierce battleground. The May PGA Championship is held at Southern Hills, which is flat, and the June Memorial Tournament is noted for its warm weather. The key factor is naturally Woods' 'physical condition.' LaCava conveyed the news that "It seems Woods is aiming for after August." That is when the PGA Tour ends. Perhaps we might see him again at the Hero World Challenge in December.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.