Arnie still touts Tiger as a force in future

Arnold Palmer said on Thursday he expects Tiger Woods to rebound from his recent surgery for a pinched nerve in his back and once again challenge for major championships.

Palmer, a seven-time major champion, said that while he did not know the specific nature of the surgery, he felt optimistic about Woods' golfing future.

"Tiger is in such good physical condition, and has been throughout his life, that they must know they're doing the right thing by doing the surgery," Palmer, 84, said on a conference call promoting an upcoming documentary on his life that will air on the Golf Channel.