NBC's Tirico says Woods told him of limited return to golf activities

The Tiger Woods faithful got a little bit of uplifting news on Sunday from NBC’s Mike Tirico.

During the telecast of the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational from Bay Hill in Orlando, Tirico said he had spoken to Woods in recent days, and that Woods had told him he had started resuming “some limited golf activity.”

What’s “limited golf activity?” Who knows. It could be putting, chipping or something light. However, Golf Channel’s Tim Rosaforte has reported this weekend that he has no awareness of Woods playing full rounds of golf or spending much, if any, time on a golf course in the weeks since Woods withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic citing back spams following an opening 77.

Woods’ representation, Mark Steinberg, tried to shoot down a Golf Digest report from Brian Wacker, in which Wacker cited sources saying it was unlikely Woods would play in the Masters in April.

“I have no idea who Mr. Wacker’s really close sources are. I can tell you this, nobody spoke to him (Wacker); so how he could know something that Tiger and I don’t know is comical,” Steinberg said, according to Rosaforte. “I talked to Tiger four hours ago on the phone. We’re not in a situation to even talk about playing in the Masters now.”

Steinberg said Woods is “hoping” he can play in the Masters, which begins in less than three weeks.

Tirico said there is a “legitimate chance” Woods plays in Masters.

At this point, who knows what Woods will do.