Furyk hopes Tiger is back soon

Last updated: 7th December 2009

Jim Furyk hopes his Ryder Cup team-mate Tiger Woods won't be out of tournament golf for too long.

Furyk made that clear after winning the Chevron World Challenge in California on Sunday, a tournament missing host Tiger Woods for the first time following his car crash and the subsequent scandal over the 14-time major winner's private life.

Woods called an end to his season last Monday after withdrawing from the Chevron World Challenge event, which benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation, leaving Furyk to end a 28-month victory drought in the 18-player tournament.

Yet the winner said the absent Woods should not stay away from competition for too long.

"I think the PGA Tour would like to see him come back as soon as possible.

"He usually starts the year at Torrey Pines, I guess, but Tiger's going to play 15 to 18 events a year.

"I think whether that starts at Torrey or it starts in Florida or Augusta (at the Masters in April), he's still going to play the 15 to 18 events. He's still going to be the key player, and all is well.

"I think from his perspective as a friend, I think he's got to think of his family and himself first, and when the time is right, he'll be back. But as I said he mustn't leave it too long."

Woods on Sunday issued a statement on his official website thanking tournament organisers, sponsors, players and fans for supporting his annual event.

Making no reference to his personal problems or the unspecified injuries cited as reasons for his withdrawal, Woods said: "I am so grateful to them for their efforts and I am sincerely sorry I was unable to fulfil my duties as host and player in this important event."

Furyk, meanwhile rewarded himself with a Christmas off following his first victory sine the 2007 Canadian Open.

He explained: "I can remember so many years where we had Christmas and everything was great and last year I woke up on the 26th and went to work, started beating balls.

"It will be nice this ime not to have that urgency and enjoy the holidays a little bit more and spend time with the family."