Tiger's comeback the game's biggest talking point

LOS ANGELES: While professional golf prepares to confront a bleak economic landscape in 2009, the biggest talking point in the game relates to the timing and immediate impact of Tiger Woods's comeback from injury.

The American world No 1 has been sidelined since his astonishing US Open victory in June when he defied stabbing knee pain and a double stress fracture of his left tibia to clinch his 14th major title.

Although Woods is ahead of schedule in his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery and began hitting full shots two weeks ago, he has no idea when he will return to competitive golf.