7 May 2015

Sleepless nights for Tiger

12:37 pm on 7 May 2015

Tiger Woods has admitted to sleepless nights in the lead-up to this week's Players Championship as he wrestles with the anniversary of his father's death and recent breakup with Lindsey Vonn.

Tiger Woods has confirmed plans to play in the US Open and British Open.

Tiger Woods has confirmed plans to play in the US Open and British Open. Photo: Photosport

Returning to golf for the first time since his comeback at the Masters last month and since announcing earlier this week that his near three-year relationship with US Olympic skier Vonn was over, Woods admitted the last three days have been "brutal."

Monday also marked the nine-year anniversary of his father Earl's death, and Woods did not sugarcoat his feelings.

"Obviously it does affect me," says Woods. "It is tough. There's no doubt. I'm not going to lie about that."

"This time of year is really, really hard on me. This three-day window is really hard. I haven't slept. These last three days... is just brutal on me, and then with obviously what happened on Monday, it just adds to it."

But the 2013 Players Championship winner is ready to get back down to business, even if his practice round with Australian Jason Day was scratchy.

He lost a handful of balls and lost the ball both right and left in perhaps worrying signs ahead of the opening round, where he will tee off with Australia's Adam Scott and Germany's Martin Kaymer.

But Woods, who tied for 17th at Augusta National, instead chose to focus on his practice coming into this week for what is widely regarded as golf's unofficial fifth major.

"I've had some pretty good practice sessions. My short game still feels really good, and we made a couple little swing tweaks."

"I've always had to deal with circumstances and stuff outside the ropes, and once you're inside the ropes it's time to tee it up and time to play."

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