Tiger Woods receives major support for golf return after rehab

Tiger Woods received a major lifeline in his bid to return to professional golf, following the completion of his intensive rehabilitation program in Switzerland. The 15-time major champion had been undergoing treatment in Zurich after being charged with driving under the influence following a car crash near his home in Jupiter, Florida in March. Police reportedly found prescription opioid pills in Woods' possession at the time of the arrest, which he had been using to manage chronic injury pain.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Woods' private jet touched down in the United States—40 days after he left for rehab in Switzerland—before the golf legend was spotted disembarking the plane at Palm Beach International Airport. Reports had previously claimed that Woods was 'desperate' to make a return to golf, and on Wednesday, he was offered an opportunity by US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk.

Furyk, who will lead the US team at Adare Manor, Ireland in 2027, insisted that he wanted Woods to be included in some capacity for the event. A somber Tiger Woods was seen disembarking his private jet on Wednesday afternoon, marking his first public sighting since his DUI arrest in March.

According to GBNews, Furyk mentioned that he had not wanted to disturb Woods since being named Ryder Cup captain but was keen to involve the golf icon. He explained, 'We haven't spoken yet. I think, out of kind of courtesy for him and his family... I haven't reached out, but I will. Definitely. We'll see where that role may fall.'

Furyk added, 'In the past, I think he's kind of taken a back seat and maybe served as an adviser for Keegan (Bradley) and such.' He described his past experiences with Woods, saying, 'I enjoyed serving— I use that word serving— as a vice-captain with him a number of times. I think he brought a lot to the team room and a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience.'

Last month, it was revealed that Woods had not abandoned his hopes of returning to professional golf despite his shocking DUI arrest. A source told People, 'He knows he needs to beat his issues and also deal with the pain from not only playing golf but also from his regular fitness schedule.' People around him are supporting him, both personally and professionally, assisting him in managing his situation.

Meanwhile, another source noted that Woods 'still has golf in him,' despite the concerning incident in Jupiter Island. Additionally, as Woods continues his road to recovery, girlfriend Vanessa Trump is reportedly in full support of the golf legend. Another source told People, 'Tiger needed to do intensive therapy, and his girlfriend Vanessa has been in favor of it. She still supports this and supports him. She loves him and knows that private treatment was necessary.'

Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence, and the Daily Mail reported last week that his lawyers are increasingly optimistic he could avoid jail time after his second DUI arrest in Florida since 2017. Woods was driving at high speeds on a beachside, residential road in Jupiter Island with a 30mph speed limit when his Land Rover caused $5,000 in damage, according to an incident report.