Woods says game ready for Masters

Most expect Rory McIlroy to be Tiger Woods’ stiffest competition this week and there may be a good reason for that: Woods says the Northern Irishman reminds him of himself.

“He can move the ball out there. I used to move it out there like that in the yesteryear,” Woods said at his Masters news conference Tuesday. “I like the way he handles himself on the golf course. He’s very fiesty. He has the makings to be a champion for a very long time.”

Woods was questioned about the state of his golf game heading into this year’s tournament. He said changing his swing has been an ongoing process but feels good about where he is, particularly after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational two weeks ago.

“I think I have more shots in my bag than in 2000,” Woods said. “As far as controlling my ball, I feel I’m as consistent as I was back then.”

A win Sunday by Woods would accomplish two things – he would tie Jack Nicklaus for the second-most PGA Tour wins at 73 and be one green jacket away from tying the Golden Bear’s record six Augusta wins. Which would he like more?

“I prefer the green jacket,” Woods said with a laugh.

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