GOLF:Tiger Woods hopes to compete in the US Open next month as he continues his battle to return to peak fitness following knee and Achilles' injuries.
The current world number 12 has three US Open titles to his name and is targeting a comeback in time to challenge for a fourth at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
"I've been resting and haven't been able to do much," he said.
"I've been in a boot for my Achilles'. I have been on crutches to take some pressure off the knee and my back, because when you're in a boot, you start limping, (and your) back gets a little sore."
Woods (35) did not complete his first round at the recent Players Championship at Sawgrass, his first event since suffering problems related to his knee and his ankle at the Masters in April, but he is hopeful his fitness regime will get him in shape ahead of the US Open.
"I was excited about the event (Players Championship) and felt I could give it a go. I tried to play - unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that well," he said.
"I'm basically going to start strength training by the end of next week to get that thing a little bit stronger, because obviously, it's atrophied from not doing anything for a while, and try to get it in golf shape again."
US TOUR: Sergio Garcia looks set to make a late decision on whether his infected fingernail has healed enough for him to play the Byron Nelson Championship in Texas starting today.
Garcia pulled out of a British Open Championship qualifier after only four holes on Monday, but has moved on from Plano to Irving hoping to play the event where he made his professional debut with a round of 62 in 1999, and which he won seven years ago.
Garcia may be only 73rd in the world now - he was second to Woods just over two years ago - but he is still one of the star attractions at the tournament.
IRISH WOMEN'S CLOSE: Danielle McVeigh of Royal County Down Ladies came from behind to defeat local star Karen Delaney on the 19th to win the Lancome Irish Women's Close Championship at Carlow Golf Club yesterday.
McVeigh slit the fairway with a monster drive at first tie hole, the first at the classic parkland course. Her second shot on the par five found the green, 40 feet short of the pin.
Her eagle putt finished just four feet from the hole and she holed the return for birdie and victory.
Having been 4 down after 7, it was an extraordinary comeback by the champion.
