Tiger Woods ‘tempered’ in his return to golf

Tiger Woods returns to professional golf this week after a 10-month hiatus following back surgery.

Woods tees off at 12:05 p.m. Thursday at the Hero World Challenge, an 18-player, no-cut event held in the Bahamas. He is paired with FedEx Cup winner Justin Thomas.

Woods was tempered in his expectations. The 14-time major champion asserted to the media Tuesday (video, above) that he's pain free, but is approaching this weekend as a test.

“I don’t know what my body can or can’t do,” Woods told reporters. “I still don't know.”

The 42-year-old said jokingly, however, that he expects a top-18 finish.

This will be Woods’ first appearance since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic in February.

It's the 10th time he has returned after a layoff of 10 week or longer.

Woods has missed the Masters Tournament the last two years -- but is already a favorite to win in 2018.

Tiger Woods speaks at a press conference at the Albany Golf Club in Nassau, Bahamas, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017.

Credit: Doug Ferguson

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Credit: Doug Ferguson