Woods hoping for ‘fast start’ to 2012

DOHA, Qatar - Tiger Woods has rediscovered more than just the ability to win lately.

Having ended 2011 with his first victory in two years, Woods said the joy of being able to play golf with a healthy body has returned as well.

Ahead of his first tournament of the year in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Woods told the Associated Press via e-mail that he has fully recovered from the leg injuries that ruined much of last season and that he hopes his recent win at the Chevron World Challenge was “the start of another great run.’’

“The lowest moments [last year] came from the fact that I wasn’t healthy and couldn’t put in the time on and off the course that I wanted and needed to, and that was frustrating,’’ Woods said. “I was playing with pain and that isn’t fun. The last couple of months have been really fun, and that is mostly because I am feeling healthy again and building week on week.’’

Woods will begin 2012 by taking on a world-class field in his first Abu Dhabi Championship, where the lineup includes U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy, top-ranked Luke Donald and defending champion Martin Kaymer. The tournament, which starts Jan. 26, will give a first indication of whether he can keep up the level of play that earned him the Chevron title in December. This victory was his first since a car crash outside his home in 2009 led to revelations of extramarital affairs that derailed his marriage and golf game.

“I am looking to get off to a fast start in Abu Dhabi and keep building from there,’’ Woods said. “Now that I am healthy, I feel I can keep building my game and confidence week on week, much like I did at the end of [last] year - from the Australian Open to the Presidents Cup to, finally, a win in California.’’

Woods finished third at the Australian Open and then delivered the clinching point for the American team in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

Now he’s eager to show some of the young players who have grabbed the spotlight during his two-year slump that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the major tournaments.

Donald made history this year by winning the money titles on both sides of the Atlantic, while McIlroy’s dominant performance at the U.S. Open drew comparisons to Woods in his prime.

“There are so many great and talented players in the game right now. It is exciting for golf fans, and I relish the challenge of going head-to-head with any number of the leading players on a Sunday afternoon,’’ Woods said.

“Rory and Luke are both very talented golfers, and I admire what they have achieved in the last year.’’

AP