Tiger has Masters in mind

TIGER Woods insists he is “trying everything” to be able to play at the Masters at Augusta National next month.

Former world golf No 1 Woods has not been seen on the course at a competitive event since a back injury forced him to withdraw from the Omega Dubai Desert Classic before the start of his second round on February 3.

However, the 41-yearold, who has won the Masters four times, is hoping to return in time for the first Major championship of the year, which begins on April 6.

Asked whether he thinks he will get a chance to play at the Masters this year, Woods said: “I hope so. I’m trying everything extra to be able to get back and play.

“I love that event. It’s meant so much to me in my life. It was the first major that I ever played, back in 1995.

“It has so much history and meaning to me. I’d love to get back.

“I need to get back physically. I know that the mind is sharp. I just need to get the body willing to do it.”

MARC Leishman produced a brilliant finish to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational as Rory McIlroy’s bid for a remarkable win faltered at the final hurdle.

Leishman carded a closing 69 at Bay Hill to claim his second PGA Tour title by a shot from Kevin Kisner and Charley Hoffman, with McIlroy a shot further back with Tyrrell Hatton.

McIlroy was “overly aggressive” with a putt on the 18th and his next putt also missed.