Healthy Tiger wants fast start

DOHA, Qatar: Tiger Woods has rediscovered more than just the ability to win lately.

Having ended 2011 with his first victory in two years, Woods said the joy of being able to play golf with a healthy body has returned as well. Ahead of his first tournament of the year in Abu Dhabi, Woods said that he has fully recovered from the leg injuries that ruined much of last season, and that he hopes his recent win at the Chevron World Challenge was “the start of another great run.”

“The lowest moments (last year) came from the fact that I wasn’t healthy and couldn’t put in the time on and off the course that I wanted and needed to, and that was frustrating,” Woods said. “I was playing with pain and that isn’t fun. The last couple of months have been really fun mostly because I am feeling healthy again.”

Woods will begin 2012 by taking on a world-class field in his first Abu Dhabi Championship, where the line-up includes US Open champion Rory Mcilroy, topranked Luke Donald and defending champion Martin Kaymer. The tournament, which starts on January 26, will give a first indication of whether he can keep up the level of play that earned him the Chevron title in December – his first victory since a car crash outside his home in 2009 led to revelations of extramarital affairs that derailed his marriage and golf game.

“I am looking to get off to a fast start in Abu Dhabi and keep building from there,” Woods said. “Now that I am healthy, I feel I can keep building my game and confidence week on week, much like I did at the end of (last) year – from the Australian Open to the Presidents Cup to, finally, a win in California.”

Woods finished third at the Australian Open, and then delivered the clinching point for the American team in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne. – Sapa-ap