Tiger Woods still a question mark for PGA Championship

Will Tiger Woods and his tender back make a run at the PGA Championship this week?

We’ll have to wait a little longer to find out.

As expected, Woods did not appear at a news conference scheduled for 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday. So far, only his caddie -- Joe LaCava -- has showed up at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky.

LaCava walked the course on Monday and told the Associated Press that he was “optimistic” that his boss would play when the tournament tees off on Thursday. Woods’ agent said it was too early to make a decision.

The former No. 1 player underwent back surgery in the spring and has been attempting a comeback. Last week at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, he tweaked his back while hitting from the edge of a bunker and had to withdraw midway through the fourth round.

He is scheduled to play the first round with Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington.