Byrd (wrist) hopes to return to Tour next month

• By Ryan Lavner
• Feb 13, 2013 8:58 AM ET

Jonathan Byrd, who underwent surgery on his left wrist in October, hopes to return to the PGA Tour next month, possibly at the Tampa Bay Championship.

A five-time PGA Tour winner who is now ranked 110^th in the world, Byrd said Wednesday on “Morning Drive” that he began hitting balls off the tee a week and a half ago in preparation for the season.

“You never hear anyone say, ‘Rush it, don’t miss a tournament, get back,’” he said. “I talked to Tom Watson, and he said, ‘Wait till you’re ready, and then wait another month. It takes a while before the belief comes back.’” 

After the surgery – performed by Dr. Andrew Weiland, the same surgeon who operated on Luke Donald and Jim Furyk – Davis Love III told Byrd: “What a cool thing to have your career for 11 years and be able to take a break right in the middle of it, get reenergized and do it again.” 

“This is the longest break I’ve had from golf since 10^th grade,” Byrd said, “so it’s hard to watch the season start. It’s difficult to watch everyone go to work.”

Byrd, 35, underwent the procedure Oct. 29 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. That was the day before Hurricane Sandy ravaged the Northeast, and 67 of the 72 planned surgeries were canceled.

Byrd went through with the surgery, thankfully, and afterward remembered his wife, Amanda, racing down the street in 40-50 mph winds to get Jonathan’s meds, banging on the door of the pharmacy to let her in.

“That’s love right there,” he said.