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Tiger confident ahead of PGA Tour return

Woods thanked fans for their warm reception at this month's Masters © Getty Images

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Tiger Woods is in confident mood about his game ahead of his second appearance of the season at next weekend's Quail Hollow Championship.

In the first blog post on his personal website since October 5, the 14-time major winner took the chance to update fans on his activities since ending his 144-day break from golf at the Masters earlier this month.

The American took a holiday immediately after competing at Augusta, but did find time to work on his game in preparation for his assault on a first PGA Tour title since claiming the 2009 BMW Championship at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club last September.

"I took a little time off to go scuba diving and spend time with my family, but I did enjoy a fun round of golf with my friend John Cook at Isleworth Country Club," Woods said.

"I double-eagled the par-five 17th hole - the third of my life - with a five wood and shot 63, so my game is improving."

Woods also took time to thank fans for giving him a warm reception on his return to competitive action, admitting he was not sure what to expect before arriving in Georgia.

"I honestly didn't know what to expect from the fans," Woods explained. "But they were absolutely incredible. It was unreal. To get that type of warmth is something I did not expect and will never forget."

The four-time Masters champion finished five strokes adrift of green jacket winner Phil Mickelson, but believes there were plenty of positives to be taken from his error-strewn performance.

"To actually contend in a major on the back nine on Sunday and tie for fourth with very little preparation, with all that has transpired in my life, was pretty cool.

"It felt great to be in the hunt again, but unfortunately, I didn't have my game. I knew I needed to make a run, but I just didn't have one in me. I had a terrible warm-up session Sunday, and it carried over to the first tee."

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