Feeling better, Tiger to return for Tavistock Cup

Tiger Woods hit practice balls Friday for the first time since withdrawing from the WGC-Cadillac Championship last Sunday at Doral due to a strained Achilles tendon in his left ankle.

He said the ankle felt good and he plans to play in the Tavistock Cup on Monday and Tuesday, followed by the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Thursday through Sunday.

“Looking forward to competing,” Woods said.

At the advice of his doctors, Tiger took a few days off earlier this week to rest and receive treatment on his ankle, which became tight and painful while warming up on the driving range last Sunday. When the pain increased, he withdrew after hitting his tee shot on the 12th hole.

“I decided to be smart about it and not risk further injury,” said Woods, who was sidelined for almost four months last year with Achilles and knee problems.

Woods said he is excited about his game and is already looking forward to the Masters Tournament, April 5-8. Tiger tied for second at the recent Honda Classic, where he fired a final-round 62, and was headed for a top-20 finish at Doral before withdrawing.

“I’m playing very well,” he said. “It’s all starting to come together.”

Woods will play for Team Albany in the ninth annual Tavistock Cup at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Fla. He’ll be joined by teammates Tim Clark, Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose against Team Isleworth, Team Lake Nona and Team Queenwoods in the two-day competition, which is an officially sanctioned PGA Tour event.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational will be played at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Woods has won the tournament a record six times.