• World Rankings

Tiger eager to reward fans with long-awaited win

ESPN staff
March 21, 2011
Tiger Woods is aiming to give something back to his fans © Getty Images
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Tiger Woods has revealed that his personal difficulties allowed him to appreciate the crucial part his fans have played over the past few years.

Woods returned to golf at last year's Masters, having taken five months off following a series of revelations about an alleged string of extra-marital affairs.

Since returning to the sport, Woods has toned down his aggressive manner on the course - although he did attract criticism for spitting on the green at the Dubai Desert Classic - and he is vowing to show his gratitude to the fans when he gets his hands on a first trophy since November 2009.

"I'm so much more grateful for the fans and for how they've helped me throughout my career," he told Sky Sports. "And I'm trying to show my appreciation, absolutely no doubt about that."

Elsewhere, Gary Woodland, who was 591st in the world rankings in January, has rocketed to 53rd after his victory in the Transitions Championship.

World rankings: 1. Martin Kaymer (GER), 2. Lee Westwood (ENG), 3. Luke Donald (ENG), 4. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 5. Tiger Woods (USA), 6. Phil Mickelson (USA), 7. Paul Casey (ENG), 8. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 9. Matt Kuchar (USA), 10. Steve Stricker (USA), 11. Dustin Johnson (USA), 12. Jim Furyk (USA), 13. Ernie Els (RSA), 14. Nick Watney (USA), 15. Ian Poulter (ENG), 16. Francesco Molinari (ITA), 17. Bubba Watson (USA), 18. Retief Goosen (RSA), 19. Hunter Mahan (USA), 20. Robert Karlsson (SWE).

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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