Tiger Woods uncertain about his competitive game
PACIFIC PALISADES, California (Reuters) - Tiger Woods is excited about returning to competition next week after an eight-month injury break but has a slight concern over how his game will stand up to the rigors of tournament golf.
The world number one has not played since his astonishing U.S. Open playoff victory last year over Rocco Mediate, having been sidelined because of reconstructive knee surgery.
Woods will make his comeback at the February 25-March 1 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona where he is the defending champion.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back, getting out there and competing again," the 33-year-old American said in a teleconference call on Friday.
"It's been obviously a long time, so now is the time for me to get out there and start playing again."
Asked whether he had any concerns about his first competitive round of golf since June, Woods replied: "I think it's whether or not my game's sharp.
"It's one thing to do it in a practice environment at home against some buddies for a little bit of cash but it's a totally different deal to do it in a PGA Tour event against the best players in the world.
"That's something that I'm looking forward to, the challenge, and I'm really excited about getting on out there and experiencing that excitement again."
His approach to the thrill of tournament golf will, however, remain exactly the same.
WINNING INTENT
"Nothing changes from every time I enter, and that's to win," the 14-times major champion said. "That's my intent, to go in there and win, and nothing has ever changed.
"Getting out there and competing again and feeling the adrenalin, feeling the rush of competing and playing again, all of that. I haven't done that in a while."
Woods, whose wife Elin gave birth to the couple's second child earlier this month, said he was relieved to be virtually pain-free in his left knee for the first time in a decade.
"I've been trying to make changes in my golf swing and one of the great things about coming back was with the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), my bones aren't moving any more," he added.
"That's a very comforting feeling, hitting a golf ball and not having your bones slide all over the place. One, it didn't feel good, and two, it caused a lot of pain.
"It's been very exciting to be able to play that way and I'm really looking forward to the season."
After defying stabbing knee pain and a double stress fracture of his left tibia to win his 14th major title at the U.S. Open eight months ago, Woods underwent his third knee surgery in the last five years.
(Editing by Rex Gowar)
