Tiger Woods has announced his intention to play the Turkish Airlines Open, the first event of The European Tour’s Final Series, from November 3-6 as he plans his return after more than a year out of the game following surgery.
Woods made the announcement through his website www.tigerwoods.com, stating that he hopes to play in the Safeway Open, October 13-16, at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California. Woods also intends to compete in the Turkish Airlines Open, Novmeber 3-6, in Antalya, Turkey, and the Tiger Woods Foundation-run Hero World Challenge, December 1-4, at Albany in the Bahamas. He will participate in the Tiger Woods Invitational presented by USLI, October 10-11, on the Monterey Peninsula.
"My rehabilitation is to the point where I'm comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do," Tiger said. "Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery. My hope is to have my game ready to go.
"I'm looking forward to going to California for my foundation event and Safeway. I'm also excited to return to Turkey and Albany. It could be a fun fall.
"It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn't rush it. It was great spending time with my children Sam and Charlie, and also working on a lot of projects including golf-course design, the upcoming 20th anniversary of my foundation and my book about the 1997 Masters. But I missed competing. I want to thank all the fans for their kindness and concern. I've been a pro about 20 years, and their support has never waned."
Woods last played in the Turkey in 2013 when he finished tied third. The Turkish Airlines Open from November 3-6 is the first of three events which make up The European Tour’s Final Series, preceding the Nedbank Golf Challenge and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
