Tiger Woods has reached out to his many, many fans and supporters with some very encouraging news declaring he feels great and wants to play professional golf again.

But the burning question is that Tiger is just not certain when he will return to competition.

In a story on his website Wednesday, Woods said he is pain-free following fusion surgery on his back last month. He said the procedure provided “instant nerve relief” from the back pain that has sidelined him since causing to him to withdraw from the Dubai Desert Classic in early February.

Tiger Woods speaking at a press conference ahead of the last time he was seen in competition and that being the Dubai Desert Classic earlier this year. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)

“I haven’t felt this good in years,” wrote Woods, who has now had surgery on his back four times.

Nonetheless, Woods said, he won’t be swinging golf clubs any time soon — he won’t even be able to twist for another two or three months.

“As for returning to competitive golf, the long-term prognosis is positive,” he wrote. “My surgeon and physiotherapist say the operation was successful. It’s just a matter of not screwing up and letting it fuse. I’m walking and doing my exercises, and taking my kids to and from school. All I can do is take it day by day. There’s no hurry.

“But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again.

“Presently, I’m not looking ahead. I can’t twist for another two and a half to three months. Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals.”