Tiger Woods urges fans to "just kind of slow down"
Woods plays down talk of a sensational comeback triumph at The Masters.
Tiger Woods has urged the golfing world to "slow down" as he goes in search of landing a first major title since the 2008 US Open and a fifth career green jacket at The Masters this week.
Woods' recent resurgence following ties for second and fifth in his last two starts have sent Tiger fans into a frenzy heading into the season's first major of the year. As a result, his odds with the bookmakers have come tumbling down from 50/1 to a best price of 16/1.
But the former world number one, who underwent a successful fourth back operation 12 months ago, has asked for calm as he goes in search of a 15th major title this week - something Sir Nick Faldo considers would mark the "greatest comeback in sport."
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"I have four rounds to play, so let's just kind of slow down," said Woods.
"I've had anticipation like this prior, the build-up from the PGA of 2000 to the Masters of 2001 (where he completed the 'Tiger Slam'), what that tournament would mean.
"It's the same thing. I gotta go play and let the chips fall where they may. I've got a lot of work to do."
Woods, who is playing in The Masters for just the second time since 2013, also revealed how it was "pipe dream" to even consider playing in both the 2016 and 2017 editions of arguably golf's greatest major tournament.
"My back was friend," said Woods. "I tried cortisone shots, epidurals, anything to take away the pain, so I might be able to withstand a week. Nothing worked. My disc was gone.
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"It has been a tough road. The pain of just sitting there, the amount of times I've fallen because my leg didn't work or had to lay on the ground. Those were dark times.
"Thankfully for modern science, they can put us back together again. The reason I said it's a miracle is I don't know anyone that's had a lower back fusion that can swing the club as fast as I can. I feel great."
NEXT PAGE: WOODS REVEALS MICKELSON FRIENDSHIP FORGED AT RYDER CUP
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