Tiger Woods Comments 2015 Season, Health, Injuries and Return

In an article posted to his personal website on Tuesday, Tiger Woods discussed a variety of topics, including his performance in 2015, goals for 2016 and his desire to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Woods played in 12 PGA Tour events this past year, making the cut on just seven occasions, including in only one of the four major tournaments. His best finish came at the Wyndham Championship in August, where he tied for 10th place.   

Woods chalked up his struggles to both health problems and a technical issue with his game:

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As far as 2015, it was a tough year physically and took a toll on my body. I had to battle through a swing pattern change and get that organized, because it was awful at the beginning of the year. I didn't play for the longest time because I was stuck. To come back on the hardest venue of any course on the short game at Augusta National and tie for 17th, was pretty special to get myself back into it.

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Whereas a younger Tiger might have set a lofty goal for himself for the next season ahead, the 39-year-old is instead keeping his expectations more realistic.

"The thing I'm looking forward to the most about 2016 is getting back out there again," Woods wrote. "I've missed it, and I would like to do it pain-free. I haven't done that in what seems like a long time."

He's also eyeing a spot on the United States' 2016 Ryder Cup team.

Woods will already play a role in the event after being named one of the U.S. team's vice captains. That wouldn't preclude the 14-time major champion from his ultimate desire of competing in the Ryder Cup.

"Tiger wants to be a playing assistant," said Davis Love III in November, per the PGA Tour. "That's his goal. He wants to make the team, but he wants to be involved in any way."

Playing his way onto the team won't be easy for Woods. For one, he'll have to stay healthy for all or at least a majority of the PGA season—a challenge all by itself given his multiple back surgeries and additional health issues. Woods will also need to have established himself as one of the best American golfers on more than reputation alone.

Beyond 2016, Woods said he envisions himself "still playing golf at the highest level and winning tournaments and major championships," which is the hope of many golf fans across the country.

The "old Tiger" is never coming back, but if he can remain at or close to 100 percent, Woods might be able to chase down Jack Nicklaus and his 18 major titles.