Tiger Woods says he is hoping to make his return to professional golf next month and admits his time away from the game was to ensure a complete recovery.
The 14-time major champion has struggled with back issues and looked unlikely to make a return in 2016 after his condition worsened after surgery in February.
"My rehabilitation is to the point where I'm comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do," he told his official website, TigerWoods.com. "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 [Open, October 13-16, at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California]. I'm also excited to return to Turkey and Albany. It could be a fun fall."
Woods suffered a dramatic loss of form which coincided with his back problems and has been forced to undergo multiple surgeries to address the issue.
"It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn't rush it," he continued.
"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 has not competed since the 2015 Wyndham Championship, where he finished T-10.
He is hoping to play in the Turkish Airlines Open November 3-6 and at his Hero World Challenge December 1-4 in the Bahamas.
There are also plans to participate in the Tiger Woods Invitational presented by USLI, October 10-11, on the Monterey Peninsula.
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