Tiger Woods makes comeback

Tiger Woods returns to competition. AP

Orlando — Tiger Woods returns to competition after a four-month injury layoff this week at Isleworth, the same gated community where his historic golf career began to unravel five years ago.

Woods, who has played only seven events in 2014 due to a nagging back injury, will make his comeback starting Thursday at the Hero World Challenge, an 18-player invitational event that benefits his charity foundation.

Seven of the world’s 11 top players will compete, including eighth-ranked Australian Jason Day in his return from a back injury and 11^th-rated Jordan Spieth, coming off a victory in last week’s Australian Open, but not world number one Rory McIlroy. “We’re thrilled about the depth and talent of our field,” Woods said.

Woods, ranked 24^th, moved the event this year from California to the same neighbourhood where he drove into a fire hydrant in late November of 2009. That began a series of revelations unveiling a sex scandal that led to Woods’ divorce from wife Elin in 2010 and damaged his once-perfect image with major sponsors.

Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, has not captured a major title since the 2008 US Open.

Back, knee and leg injuries have hindered his pursuit of Nicklaus in recent years and Woods turns 39 later this month. No player has ever won more than three majors beyond his 39^th birthday, something Woods must achieve if he is to catch Nicklaus.

The Challenge will be the first tournament for Woods since he named Chris Como as his new swing consultant last month following a split with swing coach Sean Foley in August. “I’m excited to be back competing,” Woods tweeted two weeks ago when he announced he was working with Como.”