Tiger Woods, Still Building to Return, Now Hitting Long Irons and Drivers

If Tiger Woods is going to be relevant in 2009, he'll have to use baby steps. That is, working on the short game, testing the knee with all golf shots and being able to practice everything for an extended period of time so he knows he can play again.

I think most of those boxes have been checked, as Tiger revealed on his website that his is, in fact, hitting his driver and long irons again, even if he still isn't totally sure of the date of his comeback.

"As I had hoped, after January 1, I started hitting longer irons and my driver," Woods said Monday. "I'm not swinging as hard as I can, but I'm working towards that goal."

He has also admitted to playing a few holes with coach Hank Haney, even though he didn't admit to what he shot on those holes, so I guess you can let your imagination wander.

Now the big question: Any word on his return to the PGA Tour? Hmmmm (scratches chin) ...

"So far my knee has held up well, but I don't know when I'll be able to return to competition," he said. "I'd like to thank everyone for their support and concern and I'm looking forward to rejoining the PGA Tour when I think that I'm ready."

I will never totally understand the "must be secretive" approach Woods carries with him about everything, but until I win 14 majors (or eight) I guess I shouldn't be able to understand it. For now, Tiger is still set to return either in late February or early March.