That led to speculation Woods, who will miss this week’s Open at Sandwich due to Achilles and knee injuries, was going to confirm he would sit out the rest of 2011 and focus on getting fully fit for next season or even retire completely.

Woods has not played competitively for nine weeks due to injury but was adamant last week that his best years were ahead of him.

In a statement on his website, Woods said: “I am only going to come back when I’m 100% ready. I do not want to risk further injury.

“That’s different for me, but I’m being smarter this time.

“I think my best years are still ahead of me and I’m very confident and optimistic about the future.”

Woods was down at 19th in the latest world rankings released this morning.

Steinberg left International Management Group in May, with Woods announcing two weeks later that he would be staying with the man who has handled his career since he turned professional in 1996.

Steinberg explained the move, which will see him continue to represent Woods, saying: “After meeting with a number of agencies and businesses I decided Excel was the perfect fit.”

Excel also represent Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees and young basketball star Blake Griffin.