Reuters Summit-Tiger comeback provides 2009 PGA golf story line

(For other news from the Reuters Media Summit, click here)

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK, Dec 3 (Reuters) - The anticipated return of Tiger Woods should provide great story lines for the 2009 season and help offset the effects of a troubled economy on professional golf, U.S. PGA Tour chief Tim Finchem said on Wednesday.

Woods has been sidelined since having knee surgery after his U.S. Open playoff triumph in June and Finchem has been keeping tabs on the man rated the most powerful person in the sports business world by BusinessWeek magazine.

"I talk to him every once in a while. I go down to see him, check in with him, encourage him to get the knee better," Finchem said with a mock, pleading tone at the Reuters Media Summit in New York.

"To have him out is a big hole."

Operating without Woods, one of the world's most recognizable figures, has hurt TV ratings, but Finchem said the circumstances should enrich the drama surrounding the upcoming season.

Finchem said curiosity about Woods's condition and form will be high once he returns and faces a group of young players who have emerged in his absence.

"When Tiger's in a tournament, he dominates the coverage," the tour commissioner said about the world No. 1.  Continued...