The 14-time major champion has had two back surgeries since his last PGA Tour start at the Wyndham Championship in August last year.

Now ranked No.711 in the world, Woods says he will make his return at the Safeway Open in California.

"My hope is to have my game ready to go," the 40-year-old said. "Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery."

Tiger Woods in action during his last PGA Tour start in August last year. PHOTO: Getty Images.

The former World No.1 suggested that depending on how he pulls up after the Safeway, he will go on to compete in the Turkish Airlines Open in November and the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in December.

He also plans to take part in the Tiger Woods Invitational on October 10 and 11.

"It could be a fun fall," Woods said. "It was difficult missing tournaments that are important to me, but this time I was smart about my recovery and didn't rush it."

On the eve of this week’s BMW Championship, current World No.1 and a good friend of Tiger’s, Jason Day, said it was great to have Woods coming back to the game.

“I am looking forward to seeing him play again, seeing what the state of his game is, how his body holds up, how the mental side and the golf side hold up as well,” Day said.

"I don't expect big things of him even though he is Tiger Woods. He has been out for a while but it is always tough to come back, even though you are the greatest of all time. It would be fun to play against him when he is at his best."

Rory McIlroy added that he had missed Woods being out on Tour.

"He brings an aura and an atmosphere that no-one else in golf can bring. I've missed that,” he said. “

Hopefully he can get out on the course and stay healthy for a prolonged period of time."