THE most anticipated comeback in golf made the headlines last week as Tiger Woods announced that, after a year away from the game, he is intending to return on October 13 at the Safeway Open.

Apparently, his rehab is going to plan and his game is in a place where he can compete, and I for one am looking forward to seeing him in action once again.

The TV coverage of that event will obviously be dominated by Tiger’s every shot, so if you aren’t a fan then it’s probably best you put a note in your diary to avoid that one, although I’m sure curiosity will get the better of everyone, as we don’t know what to expect from him.

In my opinion, I can’t see him competing on a week-to-week basis due to the strain on his body so his events will be picked wisely and limited to a few per year.

Will he be at the top of the leaderboards?

I’d say no, but it will be interesting on the occasions he does put himself in contention on the weekend to see how he, and the players around him, react.

The fear factor has long gone, but the respect is still there and if he gets a couple of early top-five finishes then you never know.

Will he win another major?

Who knows, but I’d guarantee that if he can stay fit, there will be an occasion where, with nine holes to play on a Sunday, he is there or thereabouts and then anything can happen.

First though for Tiger is the Ryder Cup which I’ll talk about more next week (he is a non-playing vice-captain) and then on to his comeback.

The end of the season has just got a bit more exciting!

PAUL RAWLINSON