While Martin Kaymer was coasting to the U.S. Open title on Sunday at Pinehurst No. 2 in old-fashioned Tiger Woods-style, by eight strokes, Woods was taking big strides in returning to the PGA Tour at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Fla.
Woods, who has been sidelined since undergoing back surgery on March 31, was seen hitting full shots for the first time, including some with his driver.
Until now, Tiger had been limited by his doctors to chipping and putting.
It probably would be too much for Woods to return next week for the Quicken Loans National at Congressional, which benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation, but he will be there in his role as tournament host to hand the trophy to the winner.
There have been reports that the 11-time No. 1 player in the World Golf Rankings would return next month for the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, where he won in 2006, but this could mean he is ahead of that schedule.
And golf can use him, as television ratings for the final round of the U.S. Open were down by 46 percent.
