‘I’ll be at St Andrews — it’s my favourite course’

TIGER WOODS revealed that he will play in the 150th Open at St Andrews in July. Twice a winner of the Claret Jug at the Old Course in 2000 and 2005, the 46-year-old confirmed the news all British golf fans were longing to hear after completing his week for the ages at the Masters yesterday. ‘It’s the Home of Golf, my favourite course in the world, so yes, I will be there for that one,’ he said. ‘I am looking forward to it.’

Woods added that he doesn’t know if he will be able to get his body ready for the next major, the US PGA Championship in Tulsa next month, where he also won in 2007. ‘I’m going to try everything but I don’t know at this stage,’ he said. ‘I’ll be at St Andrews but anything in between, I don’t know.’ Woods finished the Masters with a second successive 78 yesterday but his score was the last thing on anyone’s mind as he made his way up the 18th, a year after lying in a hospital bed wondering if he would ever be able to walk again. ‘It was an unbelievable feeling and I’m so appreciative of the reception from the patrons,’ he said. ‘When you think where I was, with few prospects, I can’t really describe what it means to have been able to play all four rounds here. ‘The year I was born, in 1975, was when the first black man, Lee Elder, played at Augusta. It’s the place where all the great champions gather each year and it’s wonderful to be here. ‘Yes, there is a lot of pain and the recovery sessions suck. It’s hard. But my team motivate me and this week has motivated me. ‘My golf wasn’t very good and I know I’ve got some work in front of me. But that’s OK. I’m ready for the challenge.’