Tiger has no timetable on comeback, praises Rory

      Tiger Woods said this afternoon that he "learned his lesson" about coming back from injuries before he feels 100 percent, so he has set no timetable for his next appearance on a golf course. At a news conference for the AT&T National outside Philadelphia, a tournament that he hosts, Woods said he has not hit any balls, other than putts, since he injured his knee and Achilles at the Players in May.

         That would make it highly unlikely that he will play at the British Open in 16 days, but he didn't specifically say that. He said that he is progressing and he is frustrated, but he won't rush it.

        "I've pushed it enough times through the years. I keep setting myself back," said Woods, wearing a beard and saying he no longer wears a protective boot on his injured left Achilles.  

         Woods also praised Rory McIlroy for his runaway victory at the U.S. Open, which manh people thought was reminiscent of Woods' best performances. "That was very impressive playing," Woods said.

           He added that he was not offended by comparisons made between McIlroy, 22, and himself--comparisons that sometimes put him in second place. "When I was 21, granted, I had some success, but I didn't like my golf swing. His swing is definitely better than mine was," Woods said.

          As for the comparisons, Woods added, "I don't think it's disrespectful at all. I think it's complimentary."