Tiger Woods refuses to rule out sensational comeback at next month’s Open as he says return from surgery is on track

TIGER WOODS has refused to rule out a sensational comeback at next month’s Open as he revealed his recovery from back surgery is bang on-track.

The crocked 14-time Major winner has not played in ten months as he attempts to get fit after a third back surgery in the space of 18 months.

Woods, a three-time Open winner, remains in the field for the season’s third Major at Troon in three weeks.

And asked if he has discounted any future tournaments, the ex-world No 1 said: “No I haven’t.

“I’m just playing it week to week and I keep getting better.

“I keep getting physically better. I just hope that everything clicks in and I can do it sooner rather than later.

“I’m excited about what’s transpired so far. It’s about trying to recover for the next day. I guess I still need to get in golf shape.

“It’s about four, five days in a row. It’s about me playing 36 holes daily, getting up to speed and playing.

“I just need to get to where strength-wise I can handle the workload of playing out here on a weekly basis, practising after the round and not having to ice my back.

“I’ve pushed myself through a lot of injuries and rehabs before. I’m trying to do it correctly this time.”

Woods twice won the Open at St Andrews, in 2000 and 2005, and pulled off an emotional victory at Royal Liverpool in 2006 shortly after his father Earl passed away.

But he missed the cut last year as fellow American Zach Johnson prevailed in a play-off.

Videos posted on social media have shown Woods practising at home with coach Sean Foley looking on.

But any chance of an immediate return looked in serious doubt when he duffed three wedge shots from 100 yards into the water during a promo for his Quicken Loans National event, which starts today.