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Tiger Woods hitting from 60 yards, hasn't taken full swing since April

By Alex Butler
Golfer Tiger Woods attends the match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Keven Anderson of South Africa during their championship match in Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 10 at the 2017 US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Photo by Ray Stubblebine/UPI
Golfer Tiger Woods attends the match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Keven Anderson of South Africa during their championship match in Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 10 at the 2017 US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Photo by Ray Stubblebine/UPI | License Photo

Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods revealed an update on his condition on Friday in a blog post on his website.

The golfer first offered sympathy and concern for those affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and the earthquake in Mexico.

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Woods then got back to golf. He currently sits at No. 1,136 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

He had his fourth back surgery in April.

"As I wrote earlier this summer, I had a few matters to work on with my doctors and I did that," Woods wrote on his blog. "I'm feeling good, strong and doing really well. About my most recent surgery, it's nice not to live in pain anymore. I'm sleeping better because I don't have any nerve pain going down my leg. It makes a world of difference.

I'm starting to hit the ball a little further - 60-yard shots. I have not taken a full swing since my back fusion surgery last April, but continue to chip and putt every day. The latter is paying off. Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler have been dropping by my house for putting contests. Justin also comes over to practice his chipping. It was fun to celebrate his PGA Championship win with him and Rickie, and we had a blast."

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Fowler and Thomas posted photos with Woods in August after Thomas won the Wanamaker Trophy at the 2017 PGA Championship. The golfers met up at Woods' restaurant, The Woods, in Palm Beach County.

Woods said he has his six-month back X-rays coming up. After his surgeon does the examination, Woods will know what he can do next.

He said he is working out six days a week, alternating between a treadmill, riding a bike, swimming and lifting twice daily.

"My muscle tone is coming back, but I'm not in golf shape yet. That's going to take time," Woods said.

"Playing wise, I'm not looking ahead yet because I don't know what kind of swing I'm going to use. I just don't know what my body is going to allow me to do. Until I do, I'm going to listen to my doctors and continue to take it slowly."

Woods also talked about his TGR Design golf courses, the Presidents Cup and Rafael Nadal's win at the U.S. Open. He also dished on the solar eclipse and the Oakland Raiders' Super Bowl chances.

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The 41-year-old hasn't played competitive golf since January and missed the entire 2016 season. He started pitching again on Aug. 31 after his doctor gave him the OK.

"Finally, thanks to my fans for your patience and encouragement," Woods wrote on the blog. "The last two years have been challenging and I have gone through a great deal. But you have always been there for me and I can't thank you enough."

Woods has 79 career PGA Tour victories.

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