Tiger Woods is unsure if or when he will be able to return to competitive golfing action as he continues his recovery from a third back operation in little over 18 months.

The former world number one went under the knife in mid-September to remove a fragment in his back that was pinching a nerve, but he was forced to undergo surgery once again in October for an unexpected follow-up procedure.

The 14-times major winner admits that he is yet to begin a rehabilitation programme following his latest bout of surgery and, as yet, there’s no timetable in place for his return to the game.

When asked about a comeback date, he said: “I don’t have an answer for that. Neither does my surgeon, or my physios. There is no timetable. That’s the hardest part for me – there’s nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build towards.”

The 39-year-old won the last of his 14 major titles at the 2008 US Open and his 79 victories on the PGA Tour put him just three behind Sam Snead on the all-time list. Despite his previous success, Woods concedes that he would still love to compete for more honours in the future.

He added: “If that’s all it entails then I’ve had a pretty good run. But I’m hoping that’s not it. I’m hoping I can get out here and compete against these guys. I really do miss it.”

Woods has been named as one of Davis Love III’s vice-captains for next year’s Ryder Cup at Hazeltine and he will be hoping to use his experience to help guide the US to victory on home soil.

The American team are available at 1.91 to win the competition for the first time since 2008, while their European counterparts are on offer at 2.10 and the draw is 11.00.