GOLF

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Tiger Woods has once again seized the spotlight as he gears up for his comeback at the 2023 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

The 15-time major champion, making his first appearance since his Masters withdrawal and subtalar fusion surgery nearly eight months ago, is not only making waves with his return but also with his noticeably muscular physique.

Woods plans to play one tournament per month in 2024
In a press conference ahead of the tournament, Woods, who looked impressively beefed, addressed his improved health and ambitious plans for the upcoming golf season.

Photo Credit: Instagram @_paige.renee

News of Tiger Woods' return to golf sparked plenty of conversation online, with Paige Spiranac in particular delighted by the announcement.

Woods hasn't featured in a tournament since the Masters back in April, though he was forced to pull out in the third round due to an ankle injury.

The setback proved bigger than first anticipated, as the 47-year-old was forced to undergo surgery resulting in several months on the sidelines.

Woods' return delights Spiranac

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Tiger Woods hasn't ruled out a return to professional, competitive golf, as he continues in his leave of absence from the PGA Tour.

He hasn't competed since the Masters Tournament in April 2023, where he withdrew from an injury to his heel, but fans suspect that the 47-year-old could return to the Hero World Challenge in November.

There is one spot left to be claimed on the roster and speculation has circulated that Californian, whom has spent 683 weeks as No. 1 in the world, will claim the place for his own.

Photo Credit: TOM PENNINGTON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

A short video clip of Woods hitting a wedge at The Hay, a par-3 course at Pebble Beach that he helped redesign, was posted on a Woods social media account late Saturday.

Woods got into the act while his TGR Junior Invitational was being played at the California resort, with the video being the first of Woods hitting any golf shot since he had a right ankle fusion after withdrawing from the Masters.

Photo Credit: Lapresse

The pairings for the first Ryder Cup playing session, the Foursomes (tee times from 07:35 to 08:20) on Friday, are now known.

Jon Rahm will team up with Tyrrell Hatton, with whom he has teamed up before, and will face the American pairing of Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. Rahm went up against Scheffler in the singles match of 2021, which saw the American come out on top.

Match 2 sees Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg take on Max Homa and Brian Harman, followed by Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka taking on Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa.