Tiger Woods responded to a report that he suffered a setback in his recovery from back surgery with typical Tiger defiance/sarcasm Wednesday morning on Instagram (see post below).

While Woods, who turned 40 on Dec. 30 and hasn't played competitively in six months, has no timetable for a return to the Tour, his recent relationship rumors may be a boon to his game.

Lindsey Vonn Shows Tiger What He's Missing In SI Photo Shoot

There have been whispers of a budding romance between him and Amanda Dufner, the ex-wife of Jason Dufner. And in the years he has begun a new relationship -- first with ex-wife Elin Nordegren and then with Lindsey Vonn -- Tiger has thrived on the course.

 Progressing nicely.

A video posted by Tiger Woods (@tigerwoods) on Feb 24, 2016 at 5:58am PST

He started dating Nordegren in 2001, when he won the Masters and finished on top of the money list for the third straight year, and Vonn in 2013, when he won five events and recalimed the Tour's money title for the first time since 2009.

Tiger Woods Needs A Bionic Back To Return To Glory

Tiger's penchant for carousing with the ladies is well-documented. But maybe having a new relationship is just what Tiger needs to win his first major since the 2008 U.S. Open and the 15th of his career, which would put him three behind Jack Nicklaus' record of 18.

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