Comeback on the cards as Tiger works with coach

Three weeks after breaking cover to apologise to the world for a string of extra-marital affairs, Tiger Woods appears to be preparing himself for a return to the golf course - and may have made up with his wife Elin Nordegren.

Rumours that the world number one was getting ready for a comeback have been circulating ever since his TV appearance on February 19, however most observers did not think it would happen until later in the season.

But it has now emerged that Woods is back working with his swing coach Hank Haney it seems his return may not be far off.

The pair have apparently been holding practise sessions near Woods' home in Isleworth, Florida, this week and it could be that Tiger is back on the fairway in less than two weeks.

During his TV appearance last month, Woods said that he was still undergoing therapy and refused to say when he would make his comeback. "I do plan to return one day, I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out this year," he said.

Observers are now predicting that Woods will take part in the Tavistock Cup, a TV event in Isleworth on March 22 and 23, and then compete in the PGA Tour's Bay Hill Invitational event two days later.

Taking part in those events would ease him back onto the circuit and draw the sting of the media frenzy that will greet his return. If things go according to plan it would leave Woods in good shape for a tilt at the Masters, which starts on April 8 at Augusta - one of his favourite courses.

Woods has 14 Major titles under his belt and has designs on beating Jack Nicklaus's record of 18. With three of this year's Majors, including the Masters, taking place on courses where Woods has won before it could be that he does not want to pass up the opportunity of adding to his tally.

Another factor in Woods' apparent decision to make a professional comeback could be his personal life. According to gossip website Radar Online, Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren have been seen kissing for the first time since his string of affairs came to light last November.

The website quotes a neighbour of the couple who revealed: "They were hugging and they were kissing right out in the open." ·