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Woods prepares for emotional return

14/06/2006

Tiger Woods returns to competitive golf this week following the death of his father.

The world number one has not played since early May when his father Earl passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Woods was very close to his father and took a six-week break from the game in order to mourn his loss.

He will be back in action at Winged Foot in New York state this week for the US Open and, despite facing what he has described as his most difficult challenge in 30 years, he has emerged as the early favourite.

Woods has already won ten majors and got his first practice round off to an impressive start yesterday in front of fans and the world's media.

He told reporters that he was there to win the tournament after carefully considering the timing of his comeback.

"My dad was always adamant that whenever you're ready to play, play," Woods said. "If you're not ready, don't play."

Earl Woods was a massive influence on his son's development both during his childhood and in his adult playing career.

Woods admitted he was concerned that playing again would be too painful because of the time he spent on the golf course with his dad.

Instead, the most successful player of the modern era said playing golf again brought back memories of a happy childhood.

The US Open gets underway tomorrow. Woods missed out by two shots last year to outsider Michael Campbell. Some bookmakers have given the New Zealander odds of 100-1 to retain his title.


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