Tiger Woods was initially unsure he would be able to fulfil his role as a captain's assistant on the US team at this week's Presidents Cup. Bill Streicher / Reuters
Tiger Woods was initially unsure he would be able to fulfil his role as a captain's assistant on the US team at this week's Presidents Cup. Bill Streicher / Reuters

Tiger Woods unsure about future but relishing role of US captain's assistant at President's Cup



Tiger Woods, still battling back from back surgery in April, said on Wednesday he has "no idea what my future holds" even as he strives for a return to competitive golf.

The 14-time major champion admitted that earlier this year he was not even sure he would be able to fulfil his role as a captain's assistant on the US team at this week's Presidents Cup.

"I didn't know if I was going to be able to be here, because I couldn't ride in a cart. The bouncing hurt too much," said Woods, who fielded numerous questions about his rehab and his future at a news conference of the assistant captains for match play showdown between the United States and an International team.

"That's all gone now, which is fantastic," added Woods, who said last week his doctors had cleared him to begin swinging a cub again.

But it is still a far cry from preparing for a return to competition.

"First things first," Woods said. "Get my health organised. make sure the pain goes away. Then [I'm] just waiting for what my surgeon says.

"I'm still training, I'm getting stronger. But I certainly don't have my golf muscles trained because obviously I'm not doing anything golf related."

Woods last played in a tournament at the Dubai Desert Classic in January - withdrawing with back spasms.

He was arrested for driving under the influence near his home in Florida in May. Toxicology reports revealed he had a variety of prescription drugs in his system at the time.

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Read more

Woods says prescription medication to blame for erratic driving

Woods receiving 'professional help' as part of recovery process

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Woods said he welcomed the chance to serve as an assistant to US captain Steve Stricker, alongside fellow assistants Fred Couples, Davis Love and Jim Furyk -- and to lend a hand where possible to young players like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

He played a similar role at the Ryder Cup last year.

"I enjoy being out here with the guys," Woods, a 79-time winner on the US PGA Tour. "It's nice to be out here with some great assistant captains and our captain. I've played Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup matches with all of them, and to be out with these young guys -- we're going to have a lot of fun this week."

As for his own progress, Woods said, it remains a matter of wait and see.

"The pain's gone, but I don't know what my golfing body is going to be like, because I haven't hit a golf shot yet," he said.

"So that's going to take time to figure that out and to figure out what my capabilities are going forward -- and there's no rush."

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
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Don’ts 

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The rules on fostering in the UAE

A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

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Rating: 3/5

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  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
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The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Directed: Smeep Kang
Produced: Soham Rockstar Entertainment; SKE Production
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sunny Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma
Rating: Two out of five stars 

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3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets