O'Meara: Tiger will fight back

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

But when the world No1 does make his comeback from extensive knee surgery, the two men closest to him believe he could play better than ever. Former Open champion Mark O'Meara, Woods's most trusted friend, said: "I know his doctors and they're the best in the world. In six months, he'll be better than new. You don't win 14 majors without being incredibly mentally tough.

"Tiger doesn't want to jeopardise his career. He'll heal and probably come back stronger."

Hank Haney, Woods's swing coach, said: "His knee hasn't been right for a long time and he's won, what, 10 of his last 13 tournaments, with two seconds and a fifth.

"The guy has so much heart. After they finally get this fixed, how can anybody think he won't play better than he ever has?"

Medical opinion is divided about that. Some experts sayWoods's decision to defy doctor's orders by playing at Torrey Pines only nine weeks after knee surgery may have jeopardised his career.

But his agent with the IMG management company, Mark Steinberg, said: "I don't think there will be any debate that he rushes back from his next surgery. He won't need to. Augusta is in April."