Tiger Woods is back in business at USPGA in bid to prove Ryder Cup fitness TIGER WOODS last night declared himself “pain free and here to win” after making a dramatic late entrance at the US PGA Championship. Woods ended three days of speculation over his participation by flying in by private jet to test out his suspect back in a practice round ahead of the season’s final Major which begins today. Woods pulled out of the Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday with what was feared to be a recurrence of the injury which required surgery in March. It turned out to be a pinched nerve caused by a bone at the bottom of his back popping out when he jumped into a bunker. “I feel good and I made the decision to play yesterday afternoon,” he said. “The treatment has been fantastic. I’ve got my range of motion and I’ve got my speed and power. I’m pain free and I’m here to win. “The pain wasn’t on the site of the surgery - it was the sacrum. Once the physio put it back in the spasms stopped. “It could happen again but if it does my physio is here to fix it. Just don’t jump in the bunkers.” Woods, who won the US PGA when it was last staged at Valhalla 14 years ago, was given a huge ovation by a packed grandstand at the first hole, splitting the fairway with his drive. He played the first nine and walked the second nine with Steve Stricker, Davis Love and Harris English. “It feels good to be here,” said Woods. “I felt pretty good about how I played and the shots I hit. I need to get more feel for how this golf course is playing. The course is totally different to 2000. I have my book from 2000 but it’s useless.” Stricker revealed his surprise appearance was all about persuading sceptical American Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson he should line up against Europe next month at Gleneagles. “I know how deeply he wants to be a part of this team and I think that’s why he’s here,” said Stricker, who was yesterday confirmed as one of Watson’s assistants. “Obviously he wants to get his game going but he wants to show that he can play and that he’s going to get healthy. “He was on that last Ryder Cup team and we didn’t get it done. There’s a bunch of guys who want to get that cup back.” While Watson said he was “encouraged” by Woods’s return he was reluctant to commit to picking the 14- time Major champion as a wildcard after so little golf this season. “I can’t tell you what’s going to happen with Tiger. If he’s playing well and in good health I’ll pick him. Obviously he’s not in great health right now and he hasn’t played very well,” said Watson. Assuming he suffers no reaction, Woods will set out in the first round at 1.35pm UK time in the same group and Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 07:31:51 +0000
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