Tiger Woods comeback speculation grows

Tiger Woods could be close to making his comeback to competitive golf with some sources suggesting that the world number one's preparing to make his return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando on March 25.

The 14-time Major winner was pictured hitting balls near his Florida home shortly before his much-publicised press statement last month during which he announced that he was not sure when his return to golf would be.

Speculation followed that the 34-year-old would miss the US Masters and possibly the whole season as he attempted to repair his damaged private life. Woods has not played a competitive round since winning the JBWere Masters in Australia last November.

But Woods has now been seen working with his coach Hank Haney and many of his fellow players believe he's preparing to make a return to the course.

"If he wasn't going to play for six months, why would Hank be there?" said Australian Robert Allenby. "I look at that as maybe he's getty ready."

Meanwhile, Woods' close friend and neighbour Mark O'Meara told the Golf Channel that "he wouldn't be surprised" to see Woods compete at Bay Hill.

The season's first Major, the Masters, gets underway at Augusta on April 8 where Woods could yet make his bid for a fifth Green Jacket.

Where next?

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