Admitting he was 'fried' after a hectic end to 2019, Tiger Woods says he is relishing the opportunity the dawn of a new season brings.
The reigning Masters champion gets his 2020 season underway tomorrow in familiar surroundings as he returns to Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open.
The 15-time major winner had the unique distinction of captaining - and playing for - the USA in their Presidents' Cup win over the International team at Royal Melbourne in December.
Woods says the effort required took its toll - saying he took an almost complete break from the game.
"I played on my birthday and that's the only day I touched a club since the Presidents' Cup," Woods said.
"I just wanted to get away from it. I was a little bit fried physically, mentally and emotionally."
Though Woods still trails Jack Nicklaus' haul of 18-major titles, he has the chance the become the most successful PGA Tour player of all-time in 2020. One more tour win would see Woods surpass the record of 82 titles, a record he currently shares with Sam Snead.
"Just trying to get to 83, I really don't think about it because I have to think about all the things I need to do to win the golf tournament. There are so many different shots I have to play, strategy and thinking my way around the golf course that I'm more consumed in that.
"When I was younger I had more good days than bad, feeling wise. Now at 44, I feel more bad days than good days. It's harder to recover now but I've been able to have won a few tournaments since I made my comeback and hopefully I can win some more."
Woods will play alongside American Collin Morikawa and Spaniard Jon Rahm in the opening two rounds, with their first 18 being over the north course at Torrey Pines. The tournament utilizes both the north and south courses at the California venue.
Rory McIlroy is also in the field - he is in the group in front of Woods alongside Brandt Snedeker and Cameron Smith.
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