Things have changed for the good: Woods

Updated on: 01 July,2010 08:00 AM IST |
AFP |

Tiger Woods is the blockbuster attraction at this week's AT&T National, with golf's biggest star out to defend his title in his only tour tune-up for the British Open.

Tiger Woods

Woods is in unusual circumstances at a tournament he founded and hosted until AT&T unceremoniously dumped him following sordid revelations about his personal life late last year.

Woods' charitable foundation still benefits from the event, and he was at his diplomatic best when asked about his relationship with the tournament. "I'm still part of the event and working hard behind the scenes as always," Woods said ahead of today's first round.

The potentially touchy situation is just part of the fall-out that Woods continues to face in the wake of a scandal that saw him take a five-month break from the game. He wasn't directly asked about media reports that he has agreed to a divorce settlement with wife Elin, but he did indirectly talk about his life off the course.
"Outside the ropes there are certainly still distractions," Woods said.

"I think my life out on tour is becoming more normalised, talking to you guys (the media) about why I haven't won a tournament this year or why I hit this shot or that shot.

"It certainly wasn't like that at the beginning of the year but now that certainly has changed, and for the good."

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