Woods boosted by form in Australia
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Tiger Woods said today that the big breakthrough in his comeback was not his win last month, but what came before in Australia.
The former world number one starts his season in Abu Dhabi this week and could be back close to the top 10 if he beats a field including Europe's world's top four Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer.
Woods ended more than two years without a victory at the Chevron World Challenge, but that followed a third place finish at the Australian Open in Sydney and a superb singles win over Aaron Baddeley at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne.
Asked by Sky Sports if he saw the Chevron as a big step forward Woods said: "I certainly did, but I think Australia was probably more.
"I played really well at the Open, then carried on in the Presidents Cup and basically continued that trend in the World Challenge. Hopefully I can build on that heading into this year and get ready for Augusta."
His bid for a fifth Masters and 15th major starts on 5 April.
"Australia was big. I hit so many good shots, especially when the wind was howling at 30mph, with gusts at more than that.
"When I went into the World Challenge I was very excited that I had control of my game and it turned out that way. I really controlled my golf ball and the last two holes (he birdied them both to beat Zach Johnson) it was nice to make a couple of key putts."
McIlroy and Westwood won on the same day to set up the prospect of some thrilling battles ahead.
"I think we are all excited," added Woods.
"It's always nice to have everyone playing well at the same time. I've had stretches where there were Vijay (Singh), Phil (Mickelson), myself, Ernie (Els), Goose (Retief Goosen) where we were all playing well.
"Now it's a different generation of guys, so it's very exciting."
Woods fell outside the game's top 50 late last season, but thanks to his victory in California is currently 25th.
