The lack of clarity has nothing to do with the caddie's recent inflammatory comments about Phil Mickelson.

Woods had put that issue to bed on Wednesday by saying: 'I discussed it with Phil and Stevie. It's something that none of us really wanted to happen, but it's over and done with. Stevie will be on the bag.'

The doubt centres on when the world No.1 golfer's surgically repaired left knee will allow him to compete at the level he expects.

While admitting that his recovery is ahead of schedule, and that he has already hit some full shots in recent weeks, Woods is hoping he can play at least one or two tournaments before the Masters in April - but that is nowhere near certain.

'That's always been an intent,' the 32-year-old said at Sherwood Country Club, where he will be unable to defend his title at the Chevron World Challenge - the annual fund-raising tournament for his foundation in Southern California - this week.

'As far as reality, that's two different things. I don't know. The most frustrating thing is the uncertainty.

'How is the leg going to respond to more hours of practising, more playing, more holes to play, playing at home? How is it going to recover from day to day? All this is unknown.

'Everyone heals at different rates. I couldn't tell you and my surgeon couldn't tell you. Trainers can't tell you.

'It is frustrating from that standpoint because I want to look forward to something.'

Since having the anterior cruciate ligament repaired in his left knee a week after his US Open play-off victory over Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines in June, Woods has maintained that he would not hit full shots until January, or when his doctors said it was okay to do so.

But he admitted that he began to do so in 'the last couple of weeks', although he was none too impressed with the results.

'I haven't really progressed too far into the bag,' he said. 'That ball is not going very far. But it is fun to actually get outside and start swinging again.'

He admitted that following the doctor's orders not to turn on his knee - necessary in a full golf swing - has tested his patience.

'As an athlete, you're always used to pushing it, used to getting out there if you're a little bit injured, a little bit hurt,' he said.

'This is different. When you're dealing with an injury and a surgery like this, this is a lot more extensive.'

This is by far the longest stretch he has gone without hitting a full golf shot, a fact that has led to speculation about how good he will be when he returns.

But Woods insists that his knee will be more sound, and that he is stronger in his legs than ever.

'Right now, it feels great to have that stability in the leg,' he said. 'It feels stronger, more stable. It's not sliding all over the place.'

Even so, he remains cautious about the ligament regaining full strength. That is what makes the timing of his return uncertain.

REUTERS, ASSOCIATED PRESS