Steve Williams

Williams, who has been with Woods since 1999, has recovered after seriously injuring his left hand in a speedway accident in his native New Zealand last month.

The injury required nearly 50 stitches after his vehicle overturned and hit a safety fence at the Baypark Speedway and there was doubt that it would have healed in time for him to join Woods in Los Angeles.

Woods confirmed on his website on Tuesday, however, that Williams had recovered sufficiently to resume his duties this week.

"Steve recently had 48 stitches removed and said he's ready to go," said the World No 2 who has reduced the gap between himself and World No 1 Vijay Singh to just 0,12 of a point and might well find himself back at the top of the World Rankings if he can win the Nissan Open.

The former World No 1 one ended a year-long, PGA Tour strokeplay drought with his victory at the Buick Invitational last month and said he is looking forward to this week's event at Pacific Palisades.

"I would love to win at Riviera Country Club, where I've come close a couple times," said the 29-year-old who is coming off a three-week break from tournament golf.

"I played in my first pro event there when I was 16 and have great memories of the course.

"I have enjoyed my three weeks off, but it's time to go back to work."

Woods added: "I feel good about the swing changes I have made with Hank Haney and I think my overall game has improved."

Woods has been working with Haney to complete the second revamp of his swing since he turned professional in 1996.