NASSAU, BAHAMAS - DECEMBER 02: Tiger Woods of the United States hits his shot on the second tee during round two of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas on December 2, 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas.
Jason Day, the World number one from Australia, is thrilled for the return of Tiger Woods to the PGA Tour at this week’s Farms Insurance Open in San Diego.
The 29-year-old Australian has been placed in a marquee group with Woods, a 14-time major champion, and world number three Dustin Johnson for the first two rounds of the 156-player tournament, which begins Thursday at Torrey Pines.
Day– the 2015 champion at this event– has not played with close friend Woods, 41, since the opening rounds of the 2015 Open Championship at St. Andrews, when Day missed the playoff by one shot to tie the fourth.
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“Yeah I’m excited to play with Tiger. I get a first-class seat to watch him,” Day said. “I think everyone has been waiting a long time and it’s good for the game of golf to have him back.”
Nevertheless, Day insisted fans control their expectations for Woods’ first full-field event after 16 months on the sidelines recovering from back surgery.
“Don’t judge his results too quickly; let him play tournaments and get back into the swing of things,” Day added. “It may work out that way for him but it’s very very difficult to come back.”
Woods counts eight pro titles at Torrey Pines, including the 2008 US Open, and is just as excited to play alongside Day and fellow American Johnson. He played at the Hero World Challenge last month, although that isn’t a PGA Tour event.
Johnson’s three victories in 2016 included the US Open and a World Golf Championships event.
“(They are) the best in the world and they’re good friends of mine. I couldn’t have asked for a better pairing,” said Woods.
The former world number one praised the work of Day and his long-time caddie and coach Colin Swatton to maintain golf’s top ranking since March last year.
“That’s to his credit. He’s worked so hard with Colin and his crew,” said Woods. “He keeps wanting to improve. He should be commended for that.”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 02: Tiger Woods of the United States hits his shot on the second tee during round two of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas on December 2, 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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