We picked 10 Golf World longform stories that stood out not only for their solid prose but for the depth and diversity of subjects we tackled in 2017

Tiger Woods is embarking on his latest comeback without a swing coach.

Woods said Friday on Twitter that since fusion surgery on his lower back in April, he has been relearning his body and his golf swing by relying on feel and the previous three years of work with Dallas-based Chris Como.

”For now, I think it’s best for me to continue to do this on my own,” Woods said. ”I’m grateful to Chris Como for his past work, and I have nothing but respect for him.”

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Como was not in the Bahamas when Woods returned following his fourth back surgery. In his first competition in 10 months, Woods had plenty of speed and power in his swing, shot three rounds in the 60s at the Hero World Challenge and tied for ninth against an 18-man field, 10 shots behind Rickie Fowler.

More important than his score was his form: Woods looked strong and fit with his swing and his posture all through the week.

He has not said where he will play first in 2018.

Unlike the previous..

Tiger Woods is embarking on his latest comeback without a swing coach.

Woods had fusion surgery on his lower back in April and made a physically strong return to golf in the Bahamas earlier this month. He says he has been trying to relearn his body and the golf swing, relying on feel and three years of work with Dallas-based Chris Como.

He said Friday that for now, he thinks it’s best to continue on his own.

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Como says in a text message that he’s proud of what they accomplished. Como says his job was to help Woods use instincts and feeling while playing without pain. The coach says he believes Woods is about to have an incredible run next year.

Woods has not said where he is playing next.

Abbie ParrNEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 21: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks takes a shot in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)After the latest New York Knicks debacle that was the 2016-2017 season, let's just say hopes weren't high coming into 2017-2018. There's no question it would be a rebuilding year, and with the Vegas win total set at 30.5 prior to the season for NYK, expectations were lower than usual, even with a healthy Kristaps Porzingis running the show.
Fast forward to Christmas weekend and the Knicks are more than halfway to 30 wins and have their sights set on a playoff spot. It's been by far one of the more pleasantly surprising Knicks ..

Dick Enberg, 1935-2017: Legendary broadcaster anchored NBC golf telecasts, 'plucking the right strings'

Charles Barkley recently threw his often-discussed weight behind Democratic senatorial candidate Doug Jones in order to help keep his home state of Alabama from electing Roy Moore. But the Round Mound of Rebound still has love for Republicans when it comes to their new tax plan.
RELATED: Watch things get awkward as Chuck threaten Shaq with a chicken wing
During Thursday night's NBA on TNT coverage, Barkley called the tax cut a “big gift” ahead of the holidays. He also offered this honest — and hilarious — interpretation of how “trickle-down” economics work.
“I'm going to trickle my fat ass down to the jewelry store and get me a new Rolex,” Barkley said with a laugh. “I'm not going to pass it to nobody.”
Merry Christmas to you too, Chuck.
“Thank you, Republicans. I know I can always count on y'all to take care of us rich people, the one-percenters,” Barkley added. “Sorry, poor people. I'm praying for y'all, but y'all ain't got no chance.”
You ca..

Some of the biggest stories in golf, and a few obscure ones, comprised our favorite episodes of the year.

Justin Thomas, Golf World's Newsmaker of the Year, showcases a paradigm shift in professional golf, where you're never too young to dominate

PAK CHONG, Thailand (AP) Kiradech Aphibarnrat has withdrawn from an Asian Tour satellite event with a back injury, meaning the Thai golfer will finish the year at No. 49 in the world and earn an invitation to the Masters.

The top 50 in the final world ranking of 2017 earn spots at Augusta National.

Kiradech is No. 51 this week and was projected to move to No. 49 provided he didn’t play. However, he qualified for the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, named after an esteemed player and pioneer in the development of Thai golf. By adding the tournament, Kiradech would have needed a top-10 finish to secure his spot in the Masters.

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The Asian Development Tour said he withdrew before the first round.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) The Puerto Rico Open won’t be played next year because of the damage from Hurricane Maria. It will be replaced by an unofficial PGA Tour event for players, other athletes and celebrities to help with recovery work.

The PGA Tour and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company said the Puerto Rico Open will return as a 72-hole, official tournament in 2019 and 2020.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan made the announcement Thursday, saying he hopes the special event in March will help the island rebuild and celebrate Puerto Rico as a golf and travel destination. Tournament organizers hope to raise $500,000.

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The event will be held at TPC Dorado Beach.

The Puerto Rico Open, held opposite a World Golf Championship in March, has been part of the tour schedule for 10 years and has raised $690,000 for charity groups working with children and health issues.

D.A. Points won this year’s tournament.