Tiger Woods makes big confession as he returns to competition

Orlando, Florida - Tiger Woods admitted he was "not competitive" as the legendary athlete prepared for his first tournament rounds since his latest back surgery.

Tiger Woods admitted he was "not competitive" as the legendary athlete prepared for his first tournament rounds since his latest back surgery.
Tiger Woods admitted he was "not competitive" as the legendary athlete prepared for his first tournament rounds since his latest back surgery.  © Mike Ehrmann / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Woods partnered with his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in Orlando over the weekend in his first tournament since The Open in July.

The 48-year-old underwent microdepression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back in September, the latest of several back operations.

"I'm not competitive right now," the 15-time Major champion told the PGA website after Friday's pro-am at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando in Grande Lakes.

Tiger Woods says he has "a long way to go" after latest back surgery
Athletes Tiger Woods says he has "a long way to go" after latest back surgery

He admitted he only made the decision to play late on, but he wanted "to be able to have the experience" of playing with his son again.

Woods joked that his 15-year-old had beaten him over nine holes, but not over a full 18.

"That day is coming. I'm just prolonging it for as long as I possibly can."

They were joined by Padraig and Paddy Harrington, playing the PNC Championship for the sixth time, with Nick and Matthew Faldo, Lee and Daniel Trevino, and Annika Sorenstam and Will McGee among a star-studded field on Saturday and Sunday.

Cover photo: Mike Ehrmann / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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