Woods targets US Open return

Tiger Woods hopes to compete in the US Open next month as he continues his battle to return to peak fitness following knee and Achilles injuries.

The current world number 12 has three US Open titles to his name and is targeting a comeback in time to challenge for a fourth at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

“I’ve been resting and haven’t been able to do much,” he said.

“I’ve been in a boot for my Achilles. I have been on crutches to take some pressure off the knee and my back, because when you’re in a boot, you start limping, (and your) back gets a little sore.”

Woods, 35, did not complete his first round at the recent Players Championship at Sawgrass, his first event since suffering problems related to his knee and his ankle at the Masters in April, but he is hopeful that his fitness regime will get him in shape ahead of the US Open.

“I was excited about the event (Players Championship) and felt I could give it a go, I tried to play – unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out that well,” he said.

“I’m basically going to start strength training by the end of next week to get that thing a little bit stronger, because obviously, it’s atrophied from not doing anything for a while, and try to get it in golf shape again.”