Woods calm and collected ahead of return

World No.1 believes he can win fifth Masters title this week

Tiger Woods believes he can add another green jacket to his trophy cabinet on his comeback to professional golf this week.
“Nothings changed, I’m still going out to win this thing,” said Woods, who received a rapturous applause from his fans as he took to the course for his practice round with Fred Couples.
For the first time since the sex scandal rocked the world of professional golf in November, the 14-time major winner took questions from the world media, with reporters taking advantage of the opportunity to quiz Woods on both his personal and professional life.
He took the opportunity to apologise to his fellow professionals, who have been subject to a barrage of questions regarding the world No.1 since news of his affairs came to the surface.
“I know the players have been bombarded by questions and I hope that after today they can be left alone,” he said. “I apologise to them for having to endure what they have over the last few months.”
Woods dismissed rumours that he had used performance enhancing or illegal drugs, admitted missing his son’s first birthday while undergoing treatment at a rehab facility, as well as confirming wife Elin would not be joining him at Augusta – perhaps and indication that the Woods family still have a long way to go in getting over Woods’ ‘transgressions.
However, Woods remained buoyant when asked about his chances this week – even going as far as admitting that he was enjoying the game again.
“I’m looking forward to teeing off, I haven’t looked forward to that first shot in a long time.”
Here, we look at some of the highlights of Woods’ comeback press conference
World No.1 on…
His familyWoodsandWilliams.jpg
“The most difficult thing about the past few months has just been the constant harassment to my family. My wife and kids being photographed everywhere they go; being badgered. That’s tough.”
Missing his son’s first birthday
“I missed my son’s first birthday. And that hurts. That hurts a lot. I vowed I would never miss another one after that.”
His caddie Steve Williams (right)
“He’s a great friend, always has been and always will be. We are honest with one another. We’ve had a long talk, and it was a great talk, as well.
“He loves to be back here at Augusta, and for us to go back out there as a team together, it feels good.”
Drugs
“He (Dr Anthony Galea, Woods former doctor who was found in possession of performance enhancing drugs) never gave me any HGH or any PEDs. I’ve never taken that my entire life. I’ve never taken any illegal drug, ever, for that matter.”
Beating Jack Nicklaus’ record
“The fact I won golf tournament is irrelevant and unimportant compared to all the damage I’ve done.”
Changing his on-course behaviour
“I’m going to try not to get as hot, but that means I won’t be as exuberant.fans.jpg
“I made a decision to try and tone down my negative outbursts and be more respectful of the game.”
His fellow professionals
“I know the players have been bombarded by questions and I hope that after today they can be left alone.
“I apologise to them for having to endure what they have over the last few months.”
His fans
“What a great day, the galleries couldn’t have been nicer.
“It blew me away it really did.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered