Reading between the lines of what might and might not be next for Tiger Woods

In addition to being a fine golfer who is expected to contend for more major titles as well as challenge for the No. 1 ranking, Justin Thomas has provided an excellent public service by giving some optimistic yet cautious updates on the status of Tiger Woods, his friend and neighbor.

The latest came via the “No Laying Up” podcast last week in which Thomas, 28, disclosed that he visits Woods regularly during his off weeks, bringing his puppy to play with Woods’ dog while visiting with Tiger’s son, Charlie.

“[Tiger is] still his sarcastic a–hole self, so nothing’s really changed there,” Thomas laughed. “So I’m glad to see he’s as chipper as always.”

Whether Woods is ever a competitive golfer again is up to interpretations some nine months after the serious auto accident he endured in February, causing injuries to his right leg and foot.

Thomas, like anyone who is close to Woods or in his circle, is careful about what he says, cognizant of the very private nature that Woods has embraced throughout his career.

And yet it is difficult to imagine Thomas — a 14-time PGA Tour winner including the 2017 PGA Championship — spouting his opinions about Woods without feeling he had some sort of nod to be able to do so. That should be viewed as a positive. Woods is allowing some information about his situation — which he has not publicly addressed other than a social media post and a brief interview with Golf Digest in April — to get out. In September, Steve Stricker was the first to even hint out loud that Woods would return to competitive golf, saying “his ongoing rehabilitation to try to get better and try to play golf again, and that is going well. He’s progressing, he’s doing well, things are moving in the right direction.”

With such little information, you have to read between the lines. Thomas, for example, was asked about a potential Woods comeback.

Thomas: “I don’t know. I know he’s going to try. I don’t see him ever playing if he can’t play well. He doesn’t strike me…