The Loop

Tiger hitting long irons and driver

January 13, 2009

Tiger Woods continues to make good progress with his comeback from knee surgery. In a statement posted on his official website Monday, the 33-year-old Woods said he has stepped up his practice sessions and has played some holes at Isleworth Country Club near his home in Orlando, Fla.

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

Woods has been working with coach Hank Haney, but has set no timetable on his return. Shortly after his dramatic victory in the U.S. Open last June at Torrey Pines, Woods underwent reconstructive ACL surgery on his left knee and also needed to rehab two stress fractures in the leg.

"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."

Woods and his wife Elin, are expecting their second child sometime in February.