Tiger Woods is working with his swing coach, Hank Haney, and leading golfers are talking of the possibility of a return to action for the golf world's No1.

The websites of the Golf Channel and Golf Digest have reported that Woods was seen working with Haney on a driving range in Florida at the weekend, which has led to speculation that his return could be on the horizon.

"It's certainly going to be interesting to see, not just how he plays, but how he handles the whole situation," said Britain's Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy was speaking at the Doral course, in Miami, where the CA Championship will take place from today until Sunday.

"I think everyone is excited to see him get back out onto the golf course and play golf, and from the reports I've heard he seems to be swinging it well, and is as good as he ever was," said McIlroy.

Woods, who said in December that he was taking an "indefinite break" from the game, has spoken publicly only once since and he left the question of when he would return wide open.

The first major of the year is the US Masters at Augusta on April 8 and if Woods were to return for that event he would probably pick a March tournament to get into the groove.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational, at Bay Hill, and the private Tavistock Cup, both close to Woods' home in the Orlando area, would appear to be ideal occasions but there has been no indication that Woods is considering entering.

"It will be exciting for the next few weeks, whenever he comes back. I know a lot of people are saying Tavistock or Bay Hill," McIlroy said.

"It would be nice to see him back." - Reuters