Tiger's impeccable timing

The cynic might note that only after Phil Mickelson finally plays a good round did Tiger Woods announce his intention to return to competition next week, thus stealing headlines from his arch rival.

PGATour.com: "Tiger Returns."

ESPN.com: "Next Week's the Week."

Golfdigest.com: "Game on! Tiger's Back."

Oh, and incidentally, Mickelson shot 63 in the first round of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club to take the first-round lead.

The timing obviously was coincidental. In either case, the timing was impeccable following a prolonged stretch of largely negative news in the world of golf -- two positive headlines to push aside the doom and gloom, for a day at least.

Tiger's back. And so apparently is Mickelson.

-- John Strege