Tiger remains uncertain on return date: 'Back injuries are no joke'

Tiger Woods still don't know when he'll be back on Tour, and that means an appearance in the U.S. Open on June 12 is in doubt. 

Woods, who's recovering from back surgery to fix a pinched nerve, is "chipping and putting, so that's nice," he told Golf Channel on Monday. 

"It's a little too soon" to target a return date, Woods said. He's making progress, but taking his time. While he wants to return this summer - he misses the game, more than anything - he's not in a rush.

"It's not a lot of fun," Woods said. "There are a lot of tedious exercises. Back injuries are no joke. It is slow, and I just have to make sure I do it right." 

Woods hasn't played since March 9. He was jumped by Adam Scott for the world No. 1 ranking Monday morning. 

Woods knows he'll have to make adjustments when he returns, but he's been through that before after returning from an injured knee. He said he thinks it'll take him about two weeks to get back in tournament shape. And he's excited. He can't wait. 

Woods has won 14 career major tournaments, his last coming in 2008 at the U.S. Open. While it would be great for golf if Woods was able to play at Pinehurst's No. 2 course, that might be wishful thinking.

Woods is right: he has to take his time, so that when he's back on Tour, he's back for good. Golf's better when Woods is around, but he's got to be healthy first.