Saturday 30 April 2016 19:28, UK
Tiger Woods admitted he is "sick and tired" of being on the sidelines as he remained unable to predict a date for his return to competitive golf.
Woods fuelled speculation over a possible comeback earlier this week when it was confirmed he had registered his entry for the US Open in June, although his agent Mark Steinberg insisted the move was "simply procedural" and there was "no reason to read anything into this".
The 14-time major champion also played a few holes at his Bluejack National Golf Club in Texas alongside close friend Mark O'Meara on Monday, believed to be his first outing on a course since undergoing two back operations in September and October last year.
Woods admitted afterwards that he felt "a little tired but pretty good", and he then headed for Las Vegas to conduct a golf clinic for the benefit of his foundation at the annual Tiger Jam.
As he swatted a few drivers away, Woods was asked how far he was hitting the ball and revealed he was continuing to be cautious during his recovery process in order to avoid further physical damage.
"About 285 (yards), maybe 290. Not that far compared to what I think I can do, but I'm cruising right now - I've got a lot more in the tank," said the former world No 1.
"I've got to get stronger to produce more in the tank more often, so right now you'll see me just cruising and I'm not going to hurt myself either. It's definitely getting there, but it has not been a fun process, I'll tell you that."
And when a member of the crowd asked him when he was planning to return to the PGA Tour, he elaborated on his frustration at being out of action for the last eight months.
He replied: "If I could tell you, I would, because I'm sick and tired of being on the sidelines. I just want to start competing against these boys - I miss it."
United States captain Davis Love III also revealed earlier this week that Woods remained determined to play in his eighth Ryder Cup at Hazeltine in the autumn as well as being one of Love's assistant skippers.
Love said: "[Tiger] keeps telling me I am going to be the first playing assistant captain. He wants to be on the team playing, not driving a golf cart, so I expect if he gets healthy he's going to make a good run for it. I wouldn't bet against Tiger Woods in anything.
"If he can get out and play 10 or 15 tournaments - which will be a lot after what he has been through - I think he can make the team, and we would love to have him.
"Tiger Woods is the captain on the course. He can be a leader - we need Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods types. I want him on the team either way because he's a great influence. He obviously brings a lot of incredible passion to our team and confidence."
