Tiger Woods returns to competition

Tiger Woods winces after tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, Aug 8, 2014. [Photo/IC]

WASHINGTON -- Golf super star Tiger Woods returns to competition this week at Isleworth after a four-month injury layoff.

Woods will make his comeback Thursday at the Hero World Challenge, an 18-player invitational event that benefits his charity foundation.

Woods had been bothered by a back injury and only played seven events in 2014.

Seven of the world's top 11 players will take part in the competition, including eighth-ranked Australian Jason Day and 11th-rated Jordan Spieth, but not world number one Rory McIlroy.

"We're thrilled about the depth and talent of our field," Woods said.