Tiger Woods "hopes" to play in the Masters at Augusta National in April after undergoing a fifth back surgery.
The 45-year-old American had a microdiscectomy to relieve a pressurised disc fragment in January.
Woods recovered from spinal fusion surgery in 2017 to win a 15th major at the 2019 Masters, but his participation in this year's event - which begins on 8 April - is in the balance.
"I'm feeling fine - I'm a little stiff," Woods told CBS Television.
"I have one more MRI scheduled so we'll see then if I can start doing more activities.
"I'm still in the gym, still doing the mundane stuff that you have to do for rehab; the little things where I can start gravitating toward something more."
Asked if he would be at Augusta National in seven weeks, Woods replied: "I hope so," before adding the results of his MRI scan would determine whether he would be able to fit in a warm-up event.
Woods last played at the PNC Championship in December, where he felt "discomfort" in his back.
He won his fifth Masters title in 2019, more than a decade after his previous victory in a major.
He jointly holds the record for most PGA Tour wins at 82 with Sam Snead and is three behind Jack Nicklaus' mark of 18 major titles.
But back injuries have badly hampered Woods in recent years and after playing just one PGA Tour event between August 2015 and December 2017 he had spinal-fusion surgery.
Woods ended 2019 sixth in golf's world rankings but is now 48th.
Latest Stories
-
Poll results alone don’t constitute victory for any political party- Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC
1 hour -
Gyakie spills truth on her journey to fame
1 hour -
Energy sector CSOs challenge President Akufo-Addo to transparent value for money audit of SML contract
2 hours -
Plunderers of the State will face the music – Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang promises
2 hours -
We don’t feel safe after inconsiderate conduct of Regional Minister – Ashanti ECG staff
2 hours -
Ghana needs urgent reset and inspiring leadership – Mahama
3 hours -
Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC: Don’t be complacent, election 2024 victory isn’t assured yet
4 hours -
Ongoing power crisis worst in the 4th Republic- Alhassan Suhuyini
4 hours -
Power challenges would be over in the next few days – Herbert Krapa
4 hours -
Full text: Acceptance speech by Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Mahama’s running mate
4 hours -
Government’s fiscal adjustment on track – Report
4 hours -
Commercial drivers damn threats, unilaterally hike transport fares
4 hours -
Restore dignity to Vice President’s office – Fifi Kwetey to Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang
4 hours -
Women face mounting pressures, feel unsafe at workplace – Deloitte
4 hours -
Bright Simons asks: Where is the KPMG report on SML contract audit?
5 hours