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Ex-coach Haney expects Tiger to play at Hero World Challenge

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Tiger Woods could be set to return in November.

After undergoing a fourth back surgery in April, the 41-year-old has recently shown fans his progress with a series of swing videos, leading many to believe a return to the competitive arena is around the corner. Woods' former swing coach, Hank Haney, believes it will be next month at the Hero World Challenge, not in 2018 on the PGA Tour.

"They're going to toy with everybody because it's just what they do. But he's playing at the Hero World Challenge" Haney said on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. "He's not going to wait until February to play again."

The limited-field event, which takes place Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in the Bahamas, benefits Woods' foundation, and was the site of the 14-time major champion's return last year, where he led the field in birdies with 24.

"I get that walking 18 holes is a little different, but if you don't think this guy is in shape, I mean come on," added Haney. "He's in great shape, he's in great golf shape, whatever that means. It's just a question of whether or not he has any setbacks with his back, and obviously so far that hasn't occurred, because if it had occurred, he would shut it down immediately."

Haney coached Woods from 2004-10, helping him win six majors and 31 PGA Tour events. While he was critical of his swing after the pair split, he likes what he sees lately.

"It looks to me like he's got fast hands, he's got enough flexibility that there's an arc to his swing," he said. "I mean, there's no reason to believe he's not swinging it reasonably fast. I think you're going to see him. Well, I don't think you're going to see him, I know you're going to see him. You're going to see him at the Hero."

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