Tiger's Back, Bethpage Awaits

By Jamie Stuart

Heeee's baaaack!

El Tigre...The world's # 1....Tiger Woods is back. After taking more than 8 months off following ligament surgery on his left knee, Tiger Woods returned to golf this week. 

In other words, golf became relevant again.  Woods has returned in time for the start of the Accenture Match Play Championship, the first time he's played competitive golf since June 16th, 2008.        

                 But for us Long Islanders, what's really important is that, HE'S PLAYING!!!  Remember folks, the U.S. Open returns to Bethpage this June.  And when word came out last year that Tiger needed knee surgery, there were some concerns over whether he would make it to Bethpage Black.

                Afterall, Tiger won the Open at Bethpage back in 2002.  And again for good measure, he took the Open at Shinnecock in '04.  So, safe to say, he likes Long Island.

                And Long Island loves Tiger.  The throngs of people to see him were gi-normous, and the enthusiasm was off the charts.

                But, we can all breathe a sigh of relief.  Barring a (gasp!) injury setback, Tiger will be ready to take his third Long Island U.S. Open this June. 

                Sure there will be some rust to shake off, but I think 3 1/2 months should do it.