Tiger makes 2017 tournament commitments

January 26th. That's the date Tiger tees it up next on the PGA Tour. It's the Farmers Insurance at Torrey Pines where Tiger has won eight times, most recently at the Farmers in 2013. Tiger joins the likes of Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day and his old mucker Phil Mickelson at Torrey.

Peter Pipa, Farmers Insurance Tournament Director, is super-excited: “We’re thrilled our fans will have the opportunity to see Tiger in addition to what is already a very strong field for the Farmers Insurance Open.

“He has experienced tremendous success at Torrey Pines and in our tournament, and we couldn’t think of a better place for him to start the year. Tiger’s presence will add to a deep and talented field that includes many of the top stars in the game as well as some exciting up-and-coming players.”

Tiger's current commitments:

Farmer Insurance, Torrey Pines, 26th January.

Genesis Open, Pacific Palisades, Cali, 16th February.

Honda Classic, Palm Beach Gardens, Fl,  23rd February.

“I would like in my heart of hearts to play a full schedule next year,” Woods said after the Hero. “This (season) is going to be a bit different because, quite frankly, I haven’t done it in a while, so we’re going to be smart about it.”

His most recent victory at Torrey Pines came in 2013, when he won five times and was named the PGA TOUR’s Player of the Year for the 11th time. Five time winner in 2013. It wasn't that long ago.

The Genesis Open and The Honda Classic should provide insight into the health of Woods' surgically-repaired back. The tournaments are on consecutive weeks on opposite sides of the country. So he'll have the discomfort of flying across the USA in his personal jet. If he really wants to test his fitness I suggest he goes cattle class on Delta. That usually sorts you out.

Tiger's Best Ever PGA Tour Shots

Woods last played at Riviera Country Club in 2006; the course also was the site of his PGA Tour debut, when he was invited to the event in 1992 as a 16-year-old amateur. He has never won in 10 appearances at Riviera, his most appearances at any course without a victory.

Woods has played in The Honda Classic four times. He missed the cut as an amateur in 1993, then returned to the tournament 19 years later after moving to nearby Jupiter. He finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy in his debut at PGA National's Champion Course after a final-round 62. Woods also played The Honda in 2013 and 2014.

He withdrew from the final round of the 2014 event, then had his first microdiscectomy about a month later.

But that's all in the past. Bring it on.

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