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According to golfer Rory McIlroy, no one is expecting Tiger Woods to play well during his comeback at the Bridgestone Invitational this weekend and his entrance is not "scary" news for the field.

McIlroy says:

“I wouldn’t use the word scary. It’d be maybe a little intimidating if you knew for sure if [Woods] was going to play the way he did in 2000, 2001, but no one knows that.”

McIlroy added:

“I think top-20 will be a great effort."

McIlroy says he isn't ready to determine Woods' scariness until he sees him play a full four rounds of golf:

“Just to see how his knee holds up over 72 holes. If he can do that. No one expects him to come out and play well. I’m sure he expects himself to come out and compete. But given how long he has been out, it would be incredible for him to be able to come out for 72 holes and compete.”

Comments like those made by McIlroy, a youngster in the pro golf world, wouldn't have been made about Tiger Woods just a few years ago. Perhaps it will serve as a little extra motivation for the former champion.

On Thursday evening, Tiger Woods announced via his website that he will make his return to professional golf next week at the World Golf Championships at Firestone in Akron, Ohio.

Woods hasn't played since withdrawing after nine holes at the Players Championship. He injured his left knee and Achilles tendon at the Masters, and the nine holes at TPC Sawgrass were his first since playing at Augusta National.

At the AT&T National earlier this month, Woods stated that he did not know when he would return. He also said that he hadn't hit balls since his injury in May.

In a statement posted to his website Woods said:

"I'm excited to get back out there."

Last week, Woods fired his long-time caddie, Steve Williams. The Golf Channel reports that his friend, Bryan Bell, will caddy for him at Firestone Country Clubs.

The health woes of Tiger Woods are continuing as the star golfer announced that he is skipping the 2011 US Open. He revealed the decision on his website this afternoon.

"I am extremely disappointed that I won't be playing in the U.S. Open, but it's time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future," Woods said. "I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed. I hope to be ready for AT&T National, the next two majors and the rest of the year."

Woods is sustained a Grade 1 mild medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon at this years Masters.

"It's been a frustrating and difficult year, but I'm committed to my long-term health," added Woods in the statement. "I want to thank the fans for their encouragement and support. I am truly grateful and will be back playing when I can."

Tiger Woods has suffered yet another setback in trying to get his personal life and golf career back on track after pulling out of The Players Championship at the TPC Sawgrass after just nine holes. Woods cited his left knee injury as flaring up, and could be seen noticably limping as the round progressed.

Woods shot a 6-over-par 42 on the front nine, which was nine shots worse than his two playing partners, Matt Kuchar and Martin Kaymer, who both were 3-under part at the turn.

After finishing up a bogey on the ninth hole, a par 5, Woods informed Kuchar and Kaymer that he was withdrawing from the tournament. He then had to visit the PGA Tour physio van for an examination, which is required for players withdrawing from a tournament. After the brief examination, Woods limped up a staircase to the players' parking lot, hoped into a white Mercedes, and drove off.

Just when Woods will return to competition is not known. He is schedule to play in the Memorial in two weeks, and the U.S. Open in four weeks. But looking the way he did today, his participation is likely up in the air.

The Cleveland State men's golf team is heading west as the Vikings were one of 13 teams selected to participate in the NCAA Regional in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., from May 19-21 at The Farms G.C.

The official announcement was made on a conference call on Monday evening.

"I had a feeling coming in that we would be shipped out west," head coach Steve Weir said. "The region is very deep and talented and we know that we will have to play our best if we want to advance. We'll get out there, get adjusted to the time change and see what happens. I think it is going to be a very exciting regional.

"We played with a lot of confidence during the last few tournaments this spring and have focused on keeping our games sharp since winning the league championship a couple weeks ago."

Also participating in the regional with CSU are top-seeded UCLA, Texas, USC, San Diego, Ohio State, UNLV, North Texas, Middle Tennessee, Tulsa, SMU, Pacific and San Francisco.

Teams will play 18 holes each day.

The Vikings advanced to the NCAA regionals after winning the Horizon League Championship by seven shots over Wright State from April 22-24 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. It was CSU's third league title in the last four years and fourth in the last six seasons.

Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros died at his home earlier this morning after a long battle with brain cancer. Ballesteros was 55 years old.

Ballesteros had a very successful career on the links with a combined 91 professional tournament wins. Among those 91 wins were 5 Major titles winning the British Open three times and The Masters twice. His 50 wins on the European Tour are a record.

Ballesteros was married to Carmen Botín from 1988 until their divorce in 2004. He is survived by his three children Baldomero, Miguel and Carmen.