Tiger comeback speculation raises hopes of K Club appearance

With growing speculation in the US that Tiger Woods will announce his return to the fairways on Friday, hopes will inevitably rise that he'll make the jet trip to Ireland for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The news of a comeback was triggered by a Golf Channel report of 4-5 hour practice sessions at the Medalist Golf Club and a Players Championship return would possibly tempt the 14-time major winner to take Air McIlroy to Co Kildare.

McIlroy is believed to be offering anyone who's interested "a lift" from Jacksonville to Ireland for the following week's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by the Rory Foundation.

Woods' former coach, Hank Haney, is not getting too excited about a return to the game for the 14-time major winner, saying "4-5 hour practice sessions are nothing."