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Tiger's return Tiger Woods talks about his recovery and how he's trying to get healthy enough for the 2009 season.

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Woods had surgery a week after the U.S. Open, missing the final two majors won by Padraig Harrington, a Ryder Cup that produced a rare U.S. victory, and the emergence of Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas as potential challengers when he returns.

He missed the competition, but saw plenty of benefits from the time away.

“On one level, it’s been absolutely something I’d never want to do again,” Woods said. “And the on another part, it’s been just the greatest time in the world. Training every day, it’s been a little rough at times, but getting through it. But being able to spend time at home with Sam and watch her grow, it’s something I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do.”

Woods turns 33 at the end of the month, already with 14 majors and 65 victories on the PGA Tour.

He is closing in on the hallowed mark of Jack Nicklaus — 18 professional majors, the one record Woods cares about — and 2009 sets up well for him. Along with the Masters, the U.S. Open returns to Bethpage Black, where Woods won in 2002, and he was runner-up by one shot at Hazeltine, site of next year’s PGA Championship.

He has been saying for years that he will walk away when his best isn’t good enough to win. But his longest break from golf might have given him a glimpse of what it’s like to stop playing.

“I don’t want to play when I know I can’t play at this level, at the highest of levels,” he said. “If you wanted me to go out there and play right now, I couldn’t stand to go out there and not be able to fully compete against these guys and not really give them a run for their money. I couldn’t handle that part of it.

“That definitely gave me a better appreciation for my future and leaving the game of golf competitively,” he said. “As far as trying to make money off my buddies, I will always do that. But as far as competing at the highest of levels, yeah, I have a better appreciation for when that day comes.”

Retirement can wait. Woods now is occupied only with playing again.