27 May 2010

Woods to play Memorial next week

11:42 am on 27 May 2010

The world golf number one Tiger Woods will return to the US PGA Tour to defend his title at next week's Memorial tournament in Ohio.

The 14-times major champion has not competed since he was forced to withdraw from the final round of this month's Players Championship in Florida because of neck pain.

Woods says although he's not 100 percent, he feels much better and is looking forward to competing next week.

Woods, who is committed to the US Open at Pebble Beach next month, says he resumed normal practice sessions last week after healing an inflamed facet joint.

The 14-times major champion is a four-times winner of the Memorial tournament which is hosted by Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Woods has, however, played only three events since returning from a self-imposed exile of five months following revelations about his marital infidelities at the end of last year.