The greatest golfer of his generation returns from surgery this week in the Quicken Loans National.

This is a tournament supported by the Tiger Woods Foundation so in many ways it’s not a surprise that Woods is back in time for it, but it was just over three weeks ago that Tiger said he couldn’t yet hit full shots on the range which suggests his progress since has been rapid.

Whatever happens this week, the hope is that Woods gets through the event unscathed and therefore becomes a likely runner in the Open Championship.

He’ll be itching to get back to Hoylake where he won well in 2006, the most recent of three Claret Jugs, and any signs of encouragement this week may be enough to see the current odds of 10/1 disappear.

Certainly, reporters and broadcasters welcome him back. Some figures suggest that TV ratings have fallen by close to 50 per cent during his absence which does provide a long-term concern, albeit Martin Kaymer’s absolute dominance in the US Open, which took place during football’s World Cup, must also be considered a factor. Clearly, though, Tiger remains the sport’s biggest asset and rightly so.

Meadow shows the boys how it’s done A word also on Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow, who made her professional debut as a US Open qualifier and birdied the 72nd hole to finish alone in third. It goes without saying that hers was a near perfect start to life on tour and with a strong college career behind her, Europe may have another star in the making.

Stephanie Meadow’s stunning debut third in the professional ranks at the Women’s US Open may surprise many but those who have followed her career closely as an amateur, and the sacrifices she and her family made to further her golfing dream, will appreciate the prodigiously talented 22-year-old.

The Royal Portrush golfer only turned professional last Sunday week in the run-up to the US Women’s Open, played over the Pinehurst No.2 course that hosted the men’s equivalent, where Germany’s Martin Kaymer prevailed, which makes her performance all the more breathtaking.

PGA Tour Congressional’s Blue Course is a monster par-71 that stretches beyond 7,500 yards and has done since modifications were made in advance of the 2011 US Open, in which Rory McIlroy destroyed the field on a rain-softened platform which played to his strengths.

This week’s Tip: Jason Day at 12/1 to win or Robert Garigus at 80/1 eachway.

European Tour: BMW International Open in Cologne This week’s Tip Sergio Garcia at 25/1 to win The Golf Cabin at Enniskillen Golf Club is open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays Summer Specials Complete Package sets from £139, includes woods, irons, putter and bag Try all the latest top brand demo clubs at Enniskillen Golf Club free of charge.

Check our Specials at www.thegolfcabin.co.uk Liam Mc Cool, PGA Club Professional Enniskillen Golf Club, Castlecoole 028 66325250 Golf Lesson Vouchers available