Woods gears up for Open

Tiger Woods today made his first public appearance since the death of his father Earl four weeks ago.

The world number one, who decided against making his comeback at this week’s Memorial tournament in Ohio but has been practising for the US Open in two weeks’ time, was in Little Rock, Arkansas, for a junior clinic.

Asked by a member of the crowd how he would prepare for next month’s major at Winged Foot he said: “Obviously, you have to drive the ball great at US Opens.

“You can’t win a US Open driving the ball poorly. Work on my driving and really work on my irons, distance control.”

Another question he took was on what advice he had for his young fans.

“I think the greatest advice is to care and share,” replied Woods, who has not played since the Masters in early April.

“My dad was so adamant about that line. He said if you care about something, you’ll share it. And if you love life, you’ll share life. I love kids and I’ll share with them whatever I have.”