Four thoughts on Tiger Woods' return to golf

Golf fans, rejoice. 

Tiger Woods is returning from his seven-month absence to tee it up on Thursday at the Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas, and we can't wait to watch the big cat back in action. 

This will be Woods' first competitive action since he underwent ankle surgery in April. The golf legend, despite numerous injuries and surgeries over the years, isn't giving up on his PGA Tour career yet, but what can we expect from him?

Here are four thoughts on Woods teeing it up at the Hero World Challenge, which benefits Tiger's foundation: 

1. Tiger's return is great for golf

Any tournament is significantly more entertaining when Woods is in the field. NBC Sports surely is ecstatic for his return.

Golf Channel and Peacock — both NBC properties — will extend their coverage of the Hero World Challenge on Thursday and Friday for Woods' tee times. NBC knows the millions of eyeballs Woods attracts when he's playing on the PGA Tour. If he so much as sneezes on the third tee box or eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on his way up the 13th fairway, the cameras will be rolling. 

2. Temper your expectations 

Although it's exciting to root for Woods on the course again, don't expect him to challenge for a win in this loaded field. The 20-player tournament features 11 golfers ranked inside the top 20 in the Official World Golf Ranking. A 47-year-old Woods, coming off ankle surgery, simply can't compete with the best golfers in the world.

If you still think Woods can compete for a victory on a golf course he knows so well, look at the betting odds. As of Wednesday, Woods is last on the odds board to win the Hero World Challenge, per oddschecker. 

Finishing inside the top 15 would be a wildly successful week for Woods. 

3. A crucial week for Woods' future

Woods has played in only five PGA Tour events since the start of 2021, but he's confident his recent surgery will allow him to play a busy schedule in 2024. This weekend will go a long way in determining whether that's possible. 

“My game feels rusty; I haven't played in a while,” Woods said Tuesday, per PGATour.com. “… I'm excited to compete and play and I'm just as curious as all of you are to see what happens because I haven't done it in a while.”

If Woods can walk 72 holes in four days and recover quicker than he has in the recent past, he'll ramp up his plans to play eight tournaments in 2024. 

4. Enjoy the Tiger Woods experience while you still can

No one knows how much longer Woods will be able to compete on the PGA Tour. Not even Tiger himself can confidently say how many tournaments he has left in him. One setback to his leg or another back injury could be the end for Woods, so we have to cherish every moment he has left in competitive golf.

When Woods clubs a perfect drive down the middle, floats a laser 5-iron within five feet of the hole or throws up his iconic fist pump after draining a 20-footer, revel in those moments. His next swing could be his last.