As we all know by now, Tiger Woods is making his return to competitive golf this week at the Quicken Loans National after back surgery three months ago. But what kind of performance can we really expect from him at Congressional Country Club?

Woods’ press conference this afternoon may clear up some of the questions everyone has about the 14-time major champion and put some concerns to rest. So where is Woods in his recovery process?

“I’m right here,” Woods joked. “It’s been an interesting road. This has been quite a tedious little process, but been one where I got to a point where I can play competitive golf again. And it’s pretty exciting.”

His recovery has been quicker than most expected after having a microdiscectomy on March 31st. Fans, therapists and Woods himself thought the British Open would be his first tournament back, but since he’s the host this week and the Tiger Woods Foundation benefits from the event, the timing was right.

How does he feel post-surgery vs pre-surgery?

“Pre-procedure, I wasn’t able to function,” Woods said. “I couldn’t get out of bed, I couldn’t do any normal activities. When I blew out my knee and even had my achilles problem, I was still able to do things. I was able to function. This was different … I’ve had people come up to me and say they had the same procedure and got their life back and that’s basically how I felt.

Where is his game and what was the process to getting back on the golf course? 

“You can hop right out of the recovery room and literally you’re OK to putt the next day,” Woods said. “I wasn’t allowed to bend over and pick balls out of the holes, so I had a little creative idea. We had normal sized holes in my backyard and we just sand-filled them. I knew whether the ball went in or not, but I didn’t have to bend over to get the balls out of the hole.”

That pretty much settles any doubt as to Woods’ determination to play golf at the highest level. His next step was to begin to hit chip shots, and he increased his yardage in 10-yard increments as his back healed, progressing through the bag until he began hitting drivers a few weeks ago.

What did he shoot in his first nine holes of golf post-surgery?

“I broke 50 for [nine holes] the first time just like I was when I was 3, so I’m sneaking up on it.” Woods joked. “My prime’s coming up.”

Will we see a different swing from Woods upon his return?

“We made a few tweaks here and there, but nothing major,” Woods said. “What I’m feeling I’m doing; it looks the same as before. I won’t go at it as hard on all shots.”

Although he relayed a story of being outdriven by John Cook, a notoriously short hitter, and hitting flush 8 irons only 135 yards, Woods said his numbers are back to where they were before the procedure. With surgery just three months in his rear-view mirror, I think we can give him a pass if he isn’t leading in driving distance this week at the Quicken Loans.

He said he may have lost a bit of explosiveness for the time-being, but does he still think he can win?

“Expectations don’t change,” Woods said. “[To win] is the ultimate goal. It’s just that it’s going to be a little bit harder this time. I just haven’t had the amount of prep and reps that I would like but I’m good enough to play and I’m gonna give it a go.”

Just like the Tiger of old, he answered with a yes. But the Tiger of new knows his physical limitations.

Woods is set to tee off on Thursday at 8:12 a.m alongside Jason Day and Jordan Spieth. He will be grouped with the two of the best young performers on tour, but recognizes he isn’t their age anymore.

“I think with that old adage, with age comes wisdom, and I have certainly become much more patient,” Woods said.”That part of me has certainly changed over the years … Before, when you’re young, I just pushed it all the time. But now I’ve got to listen to my body.”

Quicken Loans National might be our first glimpse into a more conservative Tiger Woods.