The last time we checked in on Tiger Woods, he was withdrawing from a tournament in Dubai after just one round and later cancelling an appearance at a press conference for the Genesis Open which is hosted by his foundation.
In each case "back spasms" were cited as the reason, and his agent said they were unrelated to the recent back problems that kept him out of competitive golf for more than a year.
In the three weeks since the Genesis Open, Tiger and his camp have gone quiet.
Now comes an ominous quote, one from somebody who has actually communicated with Woods recently, and one that suggests it will be a while before we Tiger in another PGA Tour event.
Tour veteran Steve Stricker, who worked with Woods during last year's Presidents Cup, told The Golf Channel that he has recently communicated with Tiger through texts and has received updates on his health from several sources.
"He’s working hard at it, but I don’t think he’s doing that well right now physically," Stricker told The Golf Channel.
Like other golfers, Stricker said that he didn't think Woods looked ready to play in Dubai, noting that Woods looked like he "was walking really gingerly."
This is similar to what other PGA Tour golfers were saying about woods after the WD in Dubai, that they thought something wasn't right with Woods. That was based on their own observations of how he was swinging his clubs and walking.
As for when we might see Woods in another tournament, Stricker suggested it will be a while.
"Obviously he has to get his body right first before he can compete," Stricker said. "Then it’s going to take some time I think for him to come back believing in his swing and trusting in his ability again."
