Tiger: Playing US Open a bonus

TIGER WOODS, returning to the US Open after a two-year absence and 10 years removed from his 14th major triumph, says just having the chance to compete is “pure bonus.”

The former world No. 1 watched last year’s US Open at Erin Hills from afar, still in the early stages of his recovery from spinal fusion surgery and unsure if he would resume his golf career.

“I had no expectation of getting this far,” said Woods, who numbers three US Open victories in 2000, 2002 and 2008 among his 14 majors.

“A lot of this is pure bonus because of where I was.”

As recently as last September, Woods still didn’t know if competitive golf was in his future. It makes it a little easier for the intensely competitive superstar to take the ups and downs of his comeback in stride.

“Golf is always frustrating,” Woods told reporters yesterday at Shinnecock Hills, where the US Open begins today.

The 42-year-old was in a genial mood as he discussed his game, although he was curt when asked about progress in his life since his arrest in May of last year for driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

“It’s gotten better,” Woods responded in a tone offering no opportunity for further discussion.

Woods has shown flashes of brilliance in nine official PGA Tour events this year but has yet to bring together every aspect of his game in one week to achieve a victory.

“There’s always something that isn’t quite right and that’s where we, as players, have to make adjustments. You’ve seen the tournaments I’ve played in this year, there’s always something.

“Hopefully this is one of those weeks where I put it all together and even it out and we’ll see what happens.”– AFP