Woods set for media questioning

Tiger Woods press conference
Date: Monday, 5 April 2010, 1900 BST
Coverage: Live on the BBC News Channel with live streaming on BBC Sport website (UK users only)

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Woods has made one statement and had one interview since the revelations

Tiger Woods faces the media at Augusta on Monday in his first press conference since news about his private life became a global phenomenon.

The 34-year-old is back at the Augusta National, scene of his first major win, as he looks to win his fifth US Masters after almost five months off.

The press conference will take place at 1900 BST and be attended by 180 specially accredited journalists.

"We need to stand behind him," PGA Tour stalwart Kenny Perry said.

Other golfers believe Woods will return to the sport fully focused as he bids to capture the five major titles he needs to surpass the record of 18 currently held by Jack Nicklaus.

"He has made a mistake and he has come forward and really taken full responsibility," said close friend and former Masters champion Mark O'Meara.

"Now that he has come clean and he is trying to get better, you have to respect that. You don't respect what happened, but we have to let the guy move forward."

606: DEBATE His eyes look like someone a quarter of the person he used to be jpjames

Woods has had seven top-three finishes at Augusta and those who have witnessed his practice sessions in the build-up to this year's event have been impressed with what they have seen.

"He's hitting it longer than before," India's Arjun Atwal observed.

"I don't see anybody hit the ball like he does," said John Cook. "That's vintage. I don't see anybody beating him."

Perry, joint runner-up to Angel Cabrera at Augusta last year, said: "I think he's going to come back and play great," Perry said.

"He has got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. I think it's going to make him stronger."

Woods has admitted he is wary of the reception he will receive from the galleries abut former US Open champion Retief Goosen said: "I don't think he's going to be the bad guy.

"He's going to be 99.9% the good guy.

"There's only going to be that 0.1% that is going to make comments. That's probably going to make him feel a little bit like the rest of us."

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