Can expectations possibly be too high for Tiger Woods’ return to golf?

Another day, another Tiger Woods update. He’s going full bore in practice sessions, his knee is stronger than ever, surgery hasn’t changed his swing …

Yawn.

Meanwhile, television, tournaments and the PGA Tour wait for the bailout that only Tiger can provide. Like he’ll single-handedly turn every 55-inch flat screen back to golf and rescue the game from economic ruin.

If anybody could, it’s him. A lot is riding on Woods’ return, and not just for Tiger.

But I’m just wondering if it’s possible to put too much on Woods’ formidable shoulders.

On the course, he can win with his B game or even C game. He works infinitely harder than anybody else on tour (Hank Haney detailed a typical day for Woods recently at the PGA Merchandise Show, and people’s heads were spinning).

He prepares far better than anyone. How about this for planning:

I was told by a reliable source recently that in anticipation of the USGA’s new rules for grooves, Woods ordered Nike to make him a new set of irons with conforming grooves – a year and a half ago. The rule change doesn’t take affect until 2010 – and Woods already has been practicing with the clubs for more than a year!

Oh, and his immense talent helps too. But if you think Woods is going to win every time and save the golf world, think again. He’ll play at least twice before the Masters, which I still think he won’t win. I bet there’s a little more rust to shake off than even he believes.

This should be interesting. It’s going to be great to watch him again, but you’d better temper those incredibly lofty expectations just a bit. Even for Tiger Woods.