Woods getting back in the groove

TIGER WOODS will head into this week’s US Open believing his career is finally returning to normal after a turbulent seven months in his personal life.

The world number one will attempt to win his 15th major when he tees off at Pebble Beach Golf Links tomorrow, just his fifth tournament since returning to the game following a leave of absence starting at the end of last year and prompted by numerous revelations of infidelity by the American star.

Woods, 34, abandoned the golf course and went into therapy in a bid to rebuild his marriage to Elin, the mother of his two young children – only returning to competition in April at the Masters.

He tied fourth at Augusta National, then missed the cut at the Quail Hollow Championship in May and withdrew during The Players Championship the following week with a neck injury.

Woods returned earlier this month at the Memorial and scored a top-20 finish and, speaking at Pebble Beach, where he won the 2000 US Open by a majors-record 15 strokes, the world number one said his on-course life was regaining some normality.

“That’s certainly getting better,” Woods said. “Getting back into the competitive atmosphere and preparation, that’s something that I hadn’t done for obviously a long period of time.

“And now I’ve done that since April and that part has certainly become much more normal now.

“I’m starting to find out how much I can and can’t push myself each and every day as far as practice. I overdid it, overcooked it right before Augusta, trying to get ready, and certainly I learned my lesson there.”

Woods’ personal life during his press conference was distinctly off-limits, though. Asked about the status of his marriage, he replied: “That’s none of your business.”

He was far happier to discuss his return to Pebble Beach, the scene of his most comprehensive victory but much-changed since that 2000 win following redevelopment overseen by Arnold Palmer.

“It’s great to be back,” he said. “I haven’t been here in I believe about eight years now, so it’s great to be back. It’s interesting to see the golf course, how much it has changed, some of the redesigns that they have had.

“Different strategies, different shots, and obviously it’s playing a lot firmer than it does here in February (for the annual PGA Tour event).

“So the greens are starting to get a little bit more springy, starting to come to life now, and it’s probably going to get more springy as the days go on.”