Woods rediscovers more than winning ability

Having ended 2011 with his first victory in two years, Woods said the joy of being able to play golf in good health has returned as well.
Ahead of his first tournament of the year in Abu Dhabi, Woods has fully recovered from the leg injuries that ruined much of last season and hopes his recent win at the Chevron World Challenge was “the start of another great run”.
He suffered low moments in 2011 because “I wasn’t healthy and couldn’t put in the time on and off the course. That was frustrating”.
He added: “I was playing with pain. The last couple of months have been fun and that is mostly because I am feeling healthy again and building week on week.”
Woods will begin the year by taking on a world-class field in his first Abu Dhabi Championship, where the line-up includes US Open champion Rory McIlroy, world No.1 Luke Donald and defending champion Martin Kaymer.
The tournament, which starts on January 26, should indicate whether he can maintain the standard that earned him the Chevron title last month – his first victory since revelations of extramarital affairs derailed his marriage and career in 2009.
“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, 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 in the Australian Open last year, then delivered the clinching point for the American team in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.
He is eager now to show that he is still a force in major tournaments.
Donald made history last year by winning the money titles on both sides of the Atlantic, while McIlroy’s dominant performance at the US Open drew comparisons to Woods in his prime.
“There are so many great players in the game right now,” Woods said. “Rory and Luke are both very talented golfers and I admire what they have achieved in the last year.” He acknowledged, however, that reclaiming the No.1 ranking he held for so long might be difficult. After falling out of the top 50 for a brief period last year, Woods is now ranked 23rd.
“The young guys are raising the bar,” Woods said. “The consistency I had a few years ago would see me climb back up the rankings quickly.” – The Guardian.