Tiger Woods winces after tee shot on the sixth hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, Aug 8, 2014. [Photo/IC]

WASHINGTON -- Golf super star Tiger Woods returns to competition this week at Isleworth after a four-month injury layoff.

Woods will make his comeback Thursday at the Hero World Challenge, an 18-player invitational event that benefits his charity foundation.

Woods had been bothered by a back injury and only played seven events in 2014.

Seven of the world's top 11 players will take part in the competition, including eighth-ranked Australian Jason Day and 11th-rated Jordan Spieth, but not world number one Rory McIlroy.

"We're thrilled about the depth and talent of our field," Woods said.