Tiger Woods has admitted that he may never return to playing competitive golf as he attempts to recover from back problems.

The 41-year-old - a 14-time Major winner - has not played since February and has since been forced to undergo his fourth back operation in the space of three years.

Woods is serving as assistant captain for the US in the Presidents Cup this weekend and was asked at a press conference on Tuesday if he could envisage a scenario where he did not return as a player.

"Yeah, definitely," he answered. "I don't know what the future holds for me. We're taking one step at a time, it's a process, and I'm in no hurry.

"My timetable is basically what my surgeon says. I'm hitting 60-yard shots, very straight right now."

Woods is one of the most decorated golfers of all time, with his record of 14 Major wins second only to Jack Nicklaus's 18, and his tally of 79 PGA Tour wins three behind the late Sam Snead.