PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has admitted that the timetable for Nike golfer Tiger Woods'' return to competitive golf remains unclear.
The world number one has not played since his US Open victory at Torrey Pines in June, after which he underwent major knee ligament surgery.
Woods is expected to be back in action in time for the 2009 Masters in April, but Finchem said there is currently no definite schedule for his return, as he is yet to start swinging a club again.
Speaking at the Reuters Media Summit in New York yesterday (December 3rd), the PGA Tour chief explained: "His rehab is coming along right on schedule, but until he starts actually swinging the club and experiences the reaction his body will have to that, he can''t begin the process of setting a timeframe."
Finchem admitted that Woods'' injury layoff had left "a big hole" for the Tour to fill, but said it also had a positive impact by allowing younger players such as Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas more time in the spotlight.
Both players have moved into the top ten this year, with Kim impressing at the Ryder Cup and Villegas winning his first two PGA Tour events in September.
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