Tiger Woods makes huge call on future in golf after return at Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods has his sights set on more regular golf in 2024 after successfully completing 72 holes in his comeback from injury in the Hero World Challenge. In his first tournament post ankle surgery, Woods finished par for the week and 18th in a 20-man field.

Despite a somewhat underwhelming performance, the legendary golfer says he is just happy to be back and playing. "I've come a long way," Woods told broadcaster NBC. "From being a little bit rusty to playing four days and knocked off a lot of rust which was great, and just the physicality of actually playing and competing again - I haven't done this in a while.

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"It was nice to get out here with the guys, have some fun and compete," he said. "I wish I would have played a little cleaner but there's always next time."

Pre-tournament Woods suggested he would target playing a tournament a month in 2024. Asked about this call after the Hero World Challenge, Woods replied: "If you ask me right now I'm a little bit sore but once a month seems reasonable. It gives me a couple of weeks to recover, a week to tune up."

A tournament a month in 2024 would mean the golfing great would likely target all four major championships, the Genesis Invitational in February and the Players Championship. Woods' planned schedule may be viewed as a bit ambitious considering his lack of play in recent years but the 47-year-old American is confident that he can not only take part but recapture some of his old form.

"I think I can get into the rhythm of it," Woods said. "I think that having a couple of weeks off to recover, a week to build up, there’s no reason why I can't get into that rhythm. It's just a matter of getting in better shape basically. I feel like my game's not that far off, but I need to get in better shape."

Scottie Scheffler cruises to victory in Hero World Challenge

In his first 72-hole tournament since the Tour Championship in late August, Scottie Scheffler looked anything but rusty, securing a three-shot victory in the Hero World Challenge. The World No.1 played bogey-free at Albany and didn't let anyone get closer than two shots on the back nine as he ended the year with a four-under 68 and his fifth victory worldwide.

Scheffler led the PGA Tour in just about every important statistical category except in putting and he says his work with new putting coach Phil Kenyon is already paying dividends. "I played solid and kept my distance," Scheffler said. "I was just trying to hit good shots and get as many looks as I could for birdies." Australian Jason Day (74) struggled on the back nine with four bogeys as he finished in a tie for 11th.

- with AAP

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