TIGER Woods’ enforced absence from golf could go on for another five months yet, with the world No1 fearing he might not return until the Masters in April.

Woods has been out of action since winning the US Open in June, after which he had surgery for knee-ligament damage.

Despite revealing that his recuperation was progressing well, he admitted that plans to ease his way back into action before the first major of 2009 might not be possible.

“The most frustrating thing is the uncertainty,” said Woods. “How is the leg going to respond to more hours of practising, more playing, more holes of play, playing at home?

“How is it going to recover from day to day to day? All this is unknown. Everyone heals at different rates. I couldn't tell you and my surgeon can't tell you, trainers can't tell you.

“Augusta is not the easiest place to make your comeback. Would I want that scenario to happen? No, I wouldn't. But if I can play, then I'd like to be able to tee it up.

Frustrating

“For me not to play, it is frustrating,” he added. “I want to be out there and competing and trying to mix it up with the boys, but it is what it is, and unfortunately it's not going to happen this year, but I look forward to next year coming back.”

It has been suggested that Woods could return for the Buick Invitational in February, but the 14-time major winner refuses to set a definite date.

“I haven't hit full shots with my entire bag yet,” he said. “As far as coming back, I don't know how it's going to respond with repeated practice days and long days of practice trying to get back, ultimately playing my way into shape. That's obviously going to take a little bit of time.

“The leg has responded well. I'm actually stronger in my legs than I think I've been.

“You have to understand the healing process of the ligament. The ligament is only going to heal so fast, and you've got to be responsible for your actions, and I can't stretch that out.”