Tiger Woods will play in the PNC Championship later this month, which is great news for Woods and the golfing world. However, it is just a small step on his return to competing in major tournaments.Dr. David Chao, who has done surgery on/cared for PGA players and served as a tournament medical director for past PGA tour events, said the 15-time major champion has recovered well from the broken right leg and ankle he suffered during the car crash in late February. However, a Nov. 21 Twitter video of Woods hitting balls at a driving range revealed to Chao that the 45-year-old prolific golfer is still favoring his right leg/ankle and appears to load his swing differently to compensate.Woods getting his swing right is just one component of his bid to return to competitive action. The stress of walking 72 holes and enduring that volume of swings is another matter entirely, Chao said. Woods’ back could also present an issue. He has had five back surgeries, including a fusion, and the most recent surgery took place in January.The PNC Championship, set for Dec. 18-20 in Orlando, Fla., offers the perfect format for Woods’ return to golf in the public eye. It is a 36-hole, best ball format event for 20 former majors champions paired with a family member. All participants are allowed a cart and Woods will be playing with his 13-year-old son Charlie.Woods tweeted Wednesday, “I’m playing as a Dad and couldn’t be more excited and proud.”Woods spoke to reporters last week and said his plan for when he returns is to ramp up to play a few events a year, rather than play a full schedule. He is three majors away from tying Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 major championship victories.Tiger Woods still faces a steep uphill climb to play golf consistently at the high level we're use to seeing from him. Nicklaus' record seems safe, Chao said.Last Saturday, Woods was interviewed at the Hero World Challenge and was asked about when he’ll know he’s ready to compete on the PGA tour again. He responded, “I’m a long way from that.”