Tiger Woods warns his pretenders he’s still going to dominate the game
By James Nursey of The Mirror
Tiger Woods has got his “explosive” power back – and is ready to blow away Rory McIIroy and the rest of golf’s young guns.
The World No.1 tees it up competitively today for the first time since knee surgery in June after his epic US Open victory.
The American admits he still cannot believe he won at Torrey Pines because his left knee was so painful.
Woods, 33, has had his anterior cruciate ligament successfully rebuilt to withstand the rigours of his forceful swing. And he’ll put it to the test against Aussie Brendan Jones in his comeback round today at the Accenture World Match Play in Arizona.
“I feel great,” insisted Woods.
“I didn’t think it would feel this good before the surgery or even just after because I hadn’t known what it’s like to have it feel this solid and secure. “Both legs are stronger than they ever have been and stability is something I haven’t had in years. It’s nice to be able to hit into it for the first time.Once you start feeling a little bit more explosive, the movements start coming back.”
“But I haven’t forgotten what it was like at Torrey Pines – knowing it was a struggle each and every shot, it was a tough week.” Woods knows the professional game has not stood still while he was sidelined and Irishman McIlroy, 19, is No.17 in the world after winning the Dubai Desert Classic.
Woods is a big fan of McIlroy, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and exciting amateur Danny Lee, 18, who has just won the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth.
“I saw that Rory won in Dubai,” added Woods. “I also saw some of the other guys have been playing well too and I think it’s great.It’s the new young crop of players. It’s good to see the game is youthful. It is a different generation than mine, but it’s great to see.
“We need that youthfulness in our sport and we need that injection of new blood. It’s just a matter of them getting the experience and playing well and it’s good to see that they’re winning tournaments around the world.”
American star Mark O’Meara has already claimed teenager McIIroy has a better swing than his pal Woods had at the same age.
Woods remains confident he can continue to dominate but his obsession with the game is clearly waning.
He claims his injury even did him a favour as it enabled him to spend more time with wife Elin, new-born son Charlie and daughter Sam Alexis, born in June 2007.
Woods said: “I didn’t realise how much I loved being home and being around Sam, E and now Charlie. It was a blessing in disguise. We have had so much fun, so many great times.”
SEE WHO’S ARRIVED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE, TIGER
Camilo Villegas The flamboyant 27-year-old Colombian has climbed into the world’s top 10 after winning twice on the US Tour last year.
Anthony Kim The 23-year-old, now world No.11, showed his feisty qualities at the Ryder Cup after winning twice in America last season.
Rory McILROY The Ulsterman, 19, won his first European Tour event at the Dubai Desert Classic and will make his pro debut in the US today.
Danny Lee The 18-year-old became the youngest ever winner on the European Tour when he won the Johnnie Walker Classic.
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