Tiger Woods To Make Comeback at Safeway Open in Napa (Photos)

NAPA, CA — Famed golfer Tiger Woods, who has missed the last 14 months due to back issues, said Wednesday that he hopes to play in the Safeway Open at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California. The PGA event will be held Oct. 13-16.

In addition, Woods plans to compete in the Turkish Airline Open Nov. 3-6 in Antalya, Turkey, and the Tiger Woods Foundation-run Hero World Challenge, Dec. 1-4 at Albany in The Bahamas.

Besides playing in the three tournaments, he will host the Tiger Woods Invitational at Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula Oct. 10-11. The event is a fundraiser for his charitable foundation.

Woods said on his personal website, "I'm looking forward to going to California for my foundation event and Safeway. I'm also excited to return to Turkey and Albany. It could be a fun fall."

Before back issues interfered with his game, Woods, 39, racked up an astonishing record. He won 79 PGA tournaments including four Masters, four PGA Championships and the British Open. He was the youngest golfer to complete a career Grand Slam of major championships.

Phil Mickelson has also committed to play in the Safeway Open at Silverado, according to Executive Director Jeff Sanders. It is expected with Woods playing many more top-ranked players will commit to the event.

"My rehabilitation is to the point where I'm comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do," Woods said. "Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery. My hope is to have my game ready to go."

Silverado Resort & Spa Prepares

Prep work is underway at Silverado, with tent pavilions being erected on both the North and South courses. The South course will be used for the three day pro-am event, while the PGA competition will take place on the North course.

The storied Silverado Country Club, its previous name, has hosted previous tournaments and such luminous players as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Johnny Miller. One of the most memorable moments took place when former President Gerald Ford's golf ball hit a woman in the gallery behind a green. She wasn't hurt but was able to get a photo with the former president before selfies were selfies.

Another famous visitor to Silverado was former President Richard Nixon who did not golf but spoke to a Young Republicans' convention.

More information about the Safeway Open can be found here.

— Story and all photos, including the archival photos of presidents Ford and Nixon, by Al Francis