Tiger Woods Says Form ‘is improving’

Tiger Woods has said that his game is improving as he prepares to resume his comeback next week at the Quail Hollow Championship.

The world No1 made the comments today in the first blog to be posted on his website, tigerwoods.com, since 5 October. He also paid tribute to the fans who welcomed him back to golf at the Masters two weeks ago, following a 144-day absence.

A late November car crash was followed by the publishing of allegations about a string of extra-marital affairs involving Woods, prompting the American to take an indefinite leave of absence from golf.

The 14-time major winner finished in a tie for fourth at Augusta and in his new blog Woods said his game has got better since then.

“I took a little time off after the Masters to go scuba diving and spend time with my family,” Woods said. “But I did enjoy a fun round of golf with my friend John Cook at Isleworth Country Club. I double-eagled the par-five 17th hole – the third of my life – with a five-wood and shot 63, so my game is improving.”

Of his performance at Augusta National, Woods said: “I have to say it felt great to return to competition at the Masters Tournament.

“To actually contend in a major on the back nine Sunday and tie for fourth with very little preparation, with all that has transpired in my life, was pretty cool.

“I honestly didn't know what to expect from the fans but they were absolutely incredible from Monday through Sunday. It was unreal. They definitely helped me mentally to be more comfortable out there. I was hoping for the best. To get that type of warmth is something I did not expect and will never forget.”

Woods, who said the support he received “means more than you know” said he was glad to be back and that competing again “was just like riding a bike”.

The four-time Masters winner, though, was disappointed to finish his week with a round of 69 that left him five strokes behind the winner, Phil Mickelson, whom he congratulated.

“It also felt great to be in the hunt again but unfortunately I didn’t have my game. I knew I needed to make a run but I just didn’t have one in me. I had a terrible warm-up session Sunday and it carried over to the first tee.”

Woods, who earlier this week committed to The Players Championship in two weeks time and the AT&T National in July, also referred to his use of bad language during his round at Augusta, for which he apologised at the time.

“Its tough when you’re in a competitive environment and in the flow of a tournament. I’m not perfect. All I can say is I’m trying to do everything I can without losing my fire and competitive spirit.”

Of Quail Hollow in North Carolina, Woods called it “one of my favourite courses on tour. It’s traditional, right in front of you, difficult, and you have to shape shots both ways. I managed to win there in 2007 and look forward to going back.”