Tiger Woods says he won't be drawn into a driving competition with some of the best golfers in the world this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.
The 14-time major winner returns to the course after overcoming a back injury and looks to kick-start his 2017 with a positive result in California.
Woods was paired with Dustin Johnson and Jason Day to start the tournament, two big hitters in the global game.
Speaking ahead of his opening round, the 41-year-old explained he's not concerned by the distances some of the world's top 10 can drive the ball. Asked whether he might fall into the trap he replied: "Oh, hell no.
"I can't carry the ball 320 yards out here. Those guys will be bombing out there and that's fine. I'll just play my game.
"The name of the game is lowest score, it's not a long-drive contest. I was looking up a stat the other day and I saw I averaged 296 yards in 1997. That was the second longest to John Daly. I think last year Jason [Day] averaged a little over 305 and he barely cracked the top 15.
"It's a different game. I'm long now than I've ever been but it's all relative. Everybody is out there bombing now.
"Dustin [Johnson] is coming off playing brilliantly in Abu Dhabi and Jason has been playing well. It's going to be fun."
Asked what his feeling were about being paired with the duo, he said: "I was excited. Why wouldn't you be? Two guys who are up there with the best in the world and playing some unbelievable golf. And they're good friends of mine. I couldn't have asked for a better pairing."
Tiger Woods returns to the course this week at the Farmers Insurance Open in California. Image: Gregory Bull AP/Press Association Images
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