Woods in buoyant mood

2008-06-03 07:46

Los Angeles - Tiger Woods has not played 18 holes since having knee surgery seven weeks ago but is confident about his prospects at next week's US Open.

The American world number one will be seeking his 14th major victory from June 12-15 at Torrey Pines, San Diego and believes he is close to full fitness.

Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on April 15, two days after finishing second at the Masters, and has been itching to return to competitive golf ever since.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out there, mixing it up with the guys," the 32-year-old said in a conference call on Monday to discuss his PGA Championship title defence in August. "I really do miss being in that competitive environment.

"I've been practising quite a bit and I've just started to play some holes. I'm not trying to take it too hard.

"My practice sessions have increased. They have gotten a little bit more intense."

Asked if he had played a full round since his operation, Woods replied: "I have been around 18 holes. It was just for an outing. But I haven't played 18 holes yet, no."

'Good sign'

Known for his athleticism and strong work ethic in the gym, Woods senses he is close to regaining his usual fitness level.

"Everything's been holding up well, which is a good sign," he said. "It's a matter now of getting to the feel of playing again.

"If it's not, no big deal. I have won tournaments with it not like that (100%) before, so just a matter of going out there and really getting into the competitive flow."

Woods, US Open champion at Pebble Beach in 2000 and at Bethpage Black in 2002, will return to action for the second major of the year after an eight-week break.

Two years ago he had a nine-week layoff while coping with the illness and death of his father Earl before missing the cut in a major for the first time as a professional in the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot.

"I got into the competitive flow (at Winged Foot) three, four holes into each round," he recalled. "You can't do that. I got to be in the flow right on the very first tee box and get into the rhythm of the round very quickly."

Woods will be heavy favourite at Torrey Pines where he has won the PGA Tour's Buick Invitational for the last four years, and six times overall.

However, he knows that weather and course conditions will be different from those in late January for the Buick.

"I'm curious to see what the fairway lines are next week," he said. "I'm curious to see how the ball's running.

"When we play there each and every January it's usually soft, overcast and sometimes it's even raining, cool. The greens are going to be hard and fast."

- Reuters