Dec 17 (Reuters) – Tiger Woods was all smiles in advance of this weekend’s PNC Championship as he can make his really anticipated return to opposition just after a February vehicle crash shattered his leg.

The 15-moments important winner will engage in along with 12-12 months-previous son Charlie in Orlando, Florida, months just after the auto incident that virtually led to his leg staying amputated.

Woods explained to an on-program reporter that he was overwhelmed by the response he experienced obtained from the followers.

“The people today have been so receptive and so heat and so caring. I failed to expect it to be like this but it is really been so positive and (I am) just so grateful,” he explained.

Woods and son Charlie will tee off at 12:18 p.m. ET (1718 GMT) on Saturday alongside great friend and earth number six Justin Thomas, who is playing with his father Mike. read much more

Requested how it felt to be swinging a golf club once again, Woods chuckled and replied: “It depends when you inquire me.

“It is really getting a very little bit a lot more sore now.

“It truly is very good to be out right here playing once more and to be out in this article with my son like this, it truly is the very best.”

The 45-year-outdated pulled off a single of the most awesome comebacks in activity when he received the Masters in 2019 to close an 11-12 months big title drought and choose up his fifth inexperienced jacket, introducing to his track record as 1 of the sport’s fiercest competitors.

But Woods said his return to the class this weekend was fewer about beating the odds and additional about simply just making the most of time with his son, who has dazzled followers with his potent drive.

“We’re below to have fun,” stated Woods. “And I explained to (Charlie) that’s the most critical thing to do this week, just have fun. Scoring will just take care of by itself – we will feed off 1 one more – but make confident we converse and make certain we have pleasurable.”

As for strategy, Woods explained Charlie would hit most of the tee shots on the again nine, telling reporters his swing is “just not as impressive” as just before.

“The ball isn’t going to fly as much,” he explained.

“The entire body is not what it used to be. Obviously it is really been a small banged up this 12 months, and bit by bit but certainly, I’ll get to where by the pace will commence coming back again up, and I can start off hitting the pictures that I know…