Tiger Impresses During Practice Rounds at Medalist

Tiger Woods comeback trail went through his home club in Hobe Sound, Florida during the middle of this week. Multiple reports have surfaced since his latest full-swing social media post that Woods has been spotted around Medalist Golf Club both working on his game and playing with friends.

Brian Wacker of GolfDigest.com caught up with Ian Baker-Finch as well as some other sources to give a report on how Woods’ first rounds since his fourth back surgery have gone. 

On Tuesday, Ian Baker-Finch was playing golf at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla. He was joined by Steve Marino and Marc Turnesa, among others. More notably, Tiger Woods was in the house.

Woods, who was playing with a different group of friends and who was also joined by his caddie Joe LaCava, “looked good,” according to Baker-Finch, who watched the 14-time major champion hit balls on the range as well as some of the shots through the course of his round.

“His swing was smooth,” Baker-Finch told GolfDigest.com via phone. “He looked normal.

“Obviously it’s easier when you’re in your own environment with your buddies than when it’s for real, but he looks to me like he can play golf. I guess a lot of people thought he would never play golf again.”

Now, however, exists the possibility that he could return as soon as his Hero World Challenge Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at Albany in the Bahamas.

Though no one who witnessed Woods’ latest round at Medalist could say for sure when he will play again — Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment — those in attendance do think playing in the event is a possibility for the tournament host.

According to one source, while Woods was moving gingerly around Medalist his power in this latest session was evident. Woods has also been a fixture at the club in recent weeks after having been a ghost all summer.

“He’s been out there a lot lately, which is good to see,” the source said. “He looked really good to me hitting balls on the range. He was hitting driver high and far.”

Everything seems to be pointing to a Woods return sooner than later. It also wouldn’t be the first time he returned from a long break in the Bahamas.

Last year, Woods came back there following a 15-month layoff that was preceded by two back operations. Though he led the field in birdies with 24 and shot 65 in the second round, he also led the 17-man field in double bogeys and finished two spots out of last place. He ended up playing only three more tournament rounds after that before injury forced him out again.

Wherever Woods returns, he has come a long way from where he was. Again, and at least for now.

[GolfDigest.com]

— — — 

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest goings-on in the world of golf by following the SwingxSwing Clubhouse on social media. We share stories, stats and breaking news on Twitter, keep the fun going off the course on Instagram and share any and all golf-related topics on Facebook.

Never be the odd golfer out when your friends are talking about the latest or funniest happenings in golf. Sign up for the SxS newsletter today!