Tiger Woods looking forward to ´pain-free´ 2016 and more major titles

Turning 40 can make anyone sit back and reflect, and Tiger Woods has ample reason to reassess as his milestone birthday looms next week.

In the wake of a lost season on the PGA Tour and a pair of back surgeries, the greatest player of his generation looked back on 2015 and ahead to 2016 in a lengthy missive posted on his website.

While he acknowledged “some pretty darn good highs” this year, such as his tie for 17th at the Masters after a two-month absence from the Tour, Woods understandably saved most of his enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

“The thing I’m looking forward to the most about 2016 is getting back out there again,” he wrote.

“I’ve missed it, and I would like to do it pain-free. I haven’t done that in what seems like a long time. I’ve had it in spurts the last few years and have done some pretty good things, but I’d like to have sustained health.”

Woods reiterated his desire to earn a playing role on the U.S. Ryder Cup team next fall but expressed his excitement at being involved either way after being named an assistant captain by Davis Love III.

“Hopefully I can play and lead at the same time and not just be on the sideline.

“All of us who have been a part of any of the teams over the years, once you’ve experienced it, you want to be a part of it. It’s really hard to describe unless you’ve been in one of those team rooms and know what goes on.”

After brief detours to cover, among other things, Stanford’s chances in the Rose Bowl and his favourite item on the menu at his new restaurant in Florida (spoiler: the ribeye), he closed by taking the long view on a career he clearly doesn’t believe is anywhere near finished.

“Where do I see myself in the next five to 10 years? I am still playing golf at the highest level and winning tournaments and major championships.”