Woods speaks before his return Wednesday

Tiger Woods is certainly attempting to make a connection with golf fans. In a blog item on his Web site that was fairly long and rather conversational, Woods addressed a number of issues including his decision to play in the Quail Hollow Championship. He is expected to arrive at the course either late Tuesday afternoon or Tuesday night -- he's reportedly visiting the site of the golf course he's designing on the SC/NC border -- and has a media conference scheduled for sometime shortly after noon Wednesday following his participation in a pro-am.
Wrote Woods about playing this week in Charlotte: "Quail Hollow Club is one of my favorite courses on tour. It's traditional, right in front of you, difficult, and you have to shape shots both ways. I managed to win there in 2007 and look forward to going back."
Woods backed off the defiance and smugness he exibited in an interview with Peter Kostis immediately following his final round of the Masters regarding his fourth-place finish. At the time, when asked about contending for a major in his first competitive event in five months, he retorted something to the effect of, "I didn't win, and I came here to win." On his blog he wrote: "To actually contend in a major on the back nine Sunday and tie for fourth with very little preparation, with all that has transpired in my life, was pretty cool. It also felt great to be in the hunt again, but unfortunately, I didn't have my game."
Woods congratulated Phil Mickelson on his Masters win and profusely thanked his fans. “They definitely helped me mentally to be more comfortable out there. I was hoping for the best. To get that type of warmth is something I did not expect and will never forget.” Woods said he tried to interact with as many fans as he could and said he was touched by a letter given to him by a little girl.
Regarding his poor language on the course, he wrote: “I received some criticism for bad language, which I apologized for immediately after Saturday's round. It's tough when you're in a competitive environment and in the flow of a tournament. I'm not perfect. All I can say is I'm trying to do everything I can without losing my fire and competitive spirit.”
Woods said he is committing to tournaments earlier to accommodate a PGA Tour request in order to plan ahead for security.
He's at least making some attempt to be a kinder, gentler, easier to like Tiger these days. It will be interesting to see how long it continues.