Tiger Woods: The long-awaited comeback has arrived

While there are other events aside the Hero World Challenge this weekend, rest assured most eyes in the world of golf will be focusing on what goes on at Albany in the Bahamas. And the reason is simple, Tiger Woods is back.

After almost a year-and-a-half out, the former world number one is set to make his long-awaited return at his own event this weekend.

But a quick look at the odds tells you a more accurate story as Tiger is the 33/1 joint outsider.

The 40-year-old hasn’t featured in a tournament since finishing 10^th in the 2015 Wyndham Championship, and cancelled a planned comeback at the Safeway Open six weeks ago.

No injury reason was given for that withdrawal, with some perhaps citing that the 14-time Major winner realised he needed a little more recuperation from back surgery.

While Woods’ comments this week make clear his relentless drive to win hasn’t diminished during his convalescence, they have hinted that the American is aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

Woods is still trying to perfect his swing, with help from coach Chris Como, while it remains to be seen how his back holds up.

The world of golf has changed plenty since Woods’ most recent Major in 2008, and even since his last top-10 spot in a Major three years ago.

Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth lead the betting at 5/1 for the event, launched in 1999 to benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Rickie Fowler is a 14/1 shot, with Bubba Watson and Jordan Rose 16/1.

Tiger may not attract much attention in the betting, but you can be certain he will be the talk of the weekend, whatever his scorecard says as the world waits to see which Tiger Woods returns.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing