TIGER Woods has reiterated his desire to play professional golf again but admitted his latest injury lay-off will leave him unable to "twist" for three months.
The 14-time major winner underwent fusion surgery on his back just over a month ago to alleviate "ongoing pain in his back and leg".
Woods has not played competitively since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic at the start of February due to back spasms.
The 41-year-old was expected to be out for around six months after the operation and, despite a "positive" long-term prognosis, that appears to remain the case.
"My surgeon and physiotherapist say the operation was successful," a statement on the former world number one's official website read.
"It's just a matter of not screwing up and letting it fuse. I'm walking and doing my exercises, and taking my kids to and from school. All I can do is take it day by day. There's no hurry.
"But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again.
"Presently, I'm not looking ahead. I can't twist for another two and a half to three months. Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals."
