Woods in ‘competitive shape’ after Masters practice round

MIAMI,  (Reuters) - Tiger Woods described himself as in “competitive shape” for next week’s U.S. Masters after playing a practice round at a rain-sodden Augusta National Golf Club earlier this week.

The American world number five, a four-times champion at Augusta National, was surprised by how long the par-72 layout played and noticed subtle changes on the greens at the 11th and 17th.

“It was 40 degrees (4.44 degrees Celsius) and the course was soaked after three inches of rain the night before,” Woods said on his official website (http://web.tigerwoods.com).

“It’s the most grass I’ve ever seen on the golf course. If they use the back tees, they could make it play really long.”

Woods, a 14-times major champion, has not triumphed anywhere since the 2009 Australian Masters but has been encouraged by his improving form since the start of this year.

“I’m in much more competitive shape, no doubt,” said the 35-year-old, who played his Masters practice round this week with his good friend Arjun Atwal of India. “I’ve got a good feel for what I’m doing and have more rounds under my belt.”

Woods’s game suffered as he tried unsuccessfully to repair his deteriorating marriage last year while spending less time at practice than usual.

His divorce from his Swedish wife, Elin Nordegren, was finalised in August, and that same month he embarked on the fourth swing change of his professional career, with Canadian coach Sean Foley.

“Early in the year was disappointing because the conditions showed some signs of weakness that I had to work on,” Woods said after tying for 24th at last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. “Now, it’s feeling very, very good.”

Woods, who won the most recent of his four Masters titles in 2005, said he noticed several changes to Augusta National, most notably a re-contouring of the 11th and 17th greens.

For the rest of this week, he will complete his Masters preparations in Albany in the Bahamas because of rainy conditions forecast in Orlando where he lives.

The 75th Masters will be played from April 7-10.

Webb over nerves to be amongst leaders

Two-time champion Karrie Webb overcame early nerves to post her name on the Kraft Nabisco Championship leaderboard.

Playing the year’s first women’s major for the 16th time and looking to capitalise on her best form in years, 36-year-old Webb three-putted for bogey on the opening hole.

But the Australian great rallied well with four birdies to post a three-under 69 and share seventh place after a first round played in stifling desert heat on the Mission Hills course in California.

Seeking her eight major title and first in five years, Webb was three strokes behind joint first round leaders Brittany Lincicome and Stacy Lewis.

“I was a little tight to start with,” admitted Webb.

“I feel good about how I got through that.

“I birdied the second, so it settled me down a little bit but I probably played the first six or seven holes a little bit tight and settled in after that.”

Webb saw the nerves as a sign of her heightened expectations this time around following the two recent wins which have her leading the LPGA Tour money list.

“I don’t think I should be out here if I’m not a little bit nervous and, you know, having high expectations going into the first round,” she said.

Sarah Jane Smith was next best of the Australians on even par 72 while Lindsey Wright and Katherine Hull both shot 76s.

Lincicome is the 2009 Kraft Nabisco champion, while Lewis is still looking for her first tour victory.

Sandra Gal of Germany and Mika Miyazato of Japan were one shot behind that pair.

World No.1 and defending champion Yani Tseng shot a 70. “So hot today,” the Taiwanese player said.

“There’s no wind. I had an umbrella out there.”

Tseng has already won four titles this year, including the tour’s season opener in Thailand in February. (AAP)