Tiger Woods, who has not played tournament golf since the Masters eight weeks ago, confirmed today he would return to action at next month's US Open.

"I've been practising my butt off to get ready," the world number one said. "It's time to go back to work."

Since tying for third at the Masters on April 9th, Woods has been grieving for his father Earl, who died on May 3rd after a long battle with cancer.

Woods will be chasing his third US Open title after winning the 2000 crown by a record 15 strokes at Pebble Beach and his second at Bethpage State Park in 2002.