Tiger says he's ready to rediscover his roar

A relaxed and happy Tiger Woods gave his body a thumbs-up and said he wanted to play a full schedule leading up to the Masters in April.

Speaking on the eve of the Farmers Insurance Open, his first official tournament in almost a year, the 14-time major champion said he has not "felt this good in years".

Woods acknowledged his apparently successful spinal fusion last April was a lastditch attempt to end his crushing pain after he had exhausted every other treatment option.

"My quality of life is infinitely better than it was last year at this point," he said. "I have no more pain in my back.

"It feels good not to have a burning sensation going down my leg into my foot, or collapse when I'm walking, things of that nature."

He beamed his trademark smile multiple times as he spoke to the media for 23 minutes at Torrey Pines, a day before the opening round of a tournament he almost owns, with seven victories.

The former world No 1 had just played a pre-tournament pro-am at which he delighted a large gallery of fans by finishing eagle-birdie for a final score of 2-under 70.

Woods addressed in detail questions about his swing and spoke at length about the thought process that went into the back surgery he underwent after three failed microdiscectomies.

As usual, he said little about his personal life, other than to say his two children were well.

He did not address last year's arrest after he was found asleep at the wheel of his car with multiple prescription drugs in his system.

But when it came to his health in general and golf in particular, the 42-year-old could hardly contain his enthusiasm at being pain-free. "It's been so bad for so long, but turning it around and having my back fused, I haven't felt this good in years, so I'm excited about it," he said.