Woods confirms early 2017 schedule

Tiger Woods will make his 2017 debut at the PGA Tour's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines later this month.

Woods made his long-awaited comeback from injury at last month's Hero World Challenge, finishing 15th on four-under-par, and after the event in the Bahamas the 14-time major winner spoke of his desire to play a full season in 2017.

Having already confirmed his intention to play in the Genesis Open, which was previously known as the Northern Trust Open, Woods has committed to playing at the Farmers Open from January 26.

He last played at the Farmers in 2015 but was forced to withdraw from the event during the first round because of an injury.

"We're thrilled our fans will have the opportunity to see Tiger in addition to what is already a very strong field for the Farmers Insurance Open," said tournament chief executive Peter Ripa.

"He has experienced tremendous success at Torrey Pines and in our tournament, and we couldn't think of a better place for him to start the year."

Following the Farmers Insurance Open, Woods will play his first regular-season European Tour event for three years at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

A two-time winner of the event, Woods has added his name to the field, which includes Rory McIlroy, Open champion Henrik Stenson and Masters winner Danny Willett.

"I've always enjoyed playing in Dubai and it's fantastic to see how the city has grown phenomenally from when I first started playing there," said Woods.

"It was great winning in Dubai in 2006 and 2008. When you win in Dubai, you know you've beaten an outstanding field. The support from the fans is also just wonderful.

"I still remember making that long putt on the 18th. That was nice. Also, I remember I shot three straight 64s, but only two of them were counted because one was in the pro-am. That was the year (2001) when I finished runner-up to Thomas Bjorn.

"It was Mark (O'Meara), who first told me about this tournament in 2000. 'You would really enjoy it' he said. I went to Dubai the following year and had a great time."

As well as the Genesis Open, Woods will play the Honda Classic in Florida as his 2017 schedule takes shape.

"It's so great to see Tiger Woods back swinging a golf club and competing again," Honda Classic executive director Kenneth R Kennerly said.

“I know that his presence at this year's tournament will generate enormous excitement amongst the fans and his fellow competitors who appreciate the challenges he has faced the past year and a half becoming healthy again."

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