Faldo doubts Woods prospects
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:16GMT

Three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo believes that Tiger Woods faces a massive test of his mettle to try and challenge for the Green Jacket at Augusta.Woods returns to the game after much-publicised off-course problems and Faldo expects the pressure to get to the world number one.He told BBC Sport: "Tiger loves his comfort zones and for the first time in his life he is walking on to a golf course and its a totally different environment."He has no idea how he...

Woods under fire from Augusta chief
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:14GMT

The chairman of the Augusta National, Billy Payne, has launched a stinging attack on Tiger Woods ahead of the first round of the Masters.Woods is returning to the game after a lengthy absence, having taken time off to deal with off-course problems caused by him having affairs with several women in recent times.Payne seemed to show little sympathy as he told reporters at the traditional pre-tournament press conference: "We are not unaware of the significance of this week to a very...

Woods inspired by fan support
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:13GMT

Tiger Woods admitted he was inspired by the reception he received from the galleries after making a remarkable return to action with his lowest ever first-round score at the Masters.Woods, who was making his first appearance for five months following high-profile personal problems, carded a four-under-par 68 at Augusta to finish the first day just two shots off the lead."It was unbelievable all day," said the world number one. "Ive not heard them cheer this loud in all my years and...

Augusta: A look back at ten memorable moments
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:11GMT

With all eyes in the golfing world turning once more to Augusta, Sport.co.uk takes a look at some of the moments which have shaped the tournamentrsquo;s history. Tigerrsquo;s Maiden Victory, 1997 Following an unremarkable opening nine holes, Tiger looked set to have a chastening learning experience at his first Masters. Quite what he muttered to himself in the midway pep-talk will remain unknown, suffice to say it manifested impressive results. Carding a solid 30 for the back nine, Tiger proceeded to scythe his...

Westwood and Poulter share Augusta lead
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:10GMT

English duo Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood share the halfway in the Masters at Augusta, with both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson well placed to mount a weekend charge.Poulter and Westwood are eight-under par after 36 holes, with Woods, Mickelson, Anthony Kim, KJ Choi and Ricky Barnes two shots back.The only other Europeans under par are Denmarks Soren Kjeldsen and Swedens Robert Karlsson, while the likes of Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy missed the cut.Poulter said after a second...

Westwood confident of Augusta glory
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:08GMT

Joint leader Lee Westwood is confident that he can go on and win the Masters at Augusta and end his long wait for a first Major title.The 36-year-old Englishman heads the field alongside compatriot Ian Poulter, holding a two-shot cushion over a group of five players which includes Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.Westwood told BBC Sport: "Im good enough to win a major. I know if I play well over the weekend, Im going to have a great chance to win...

Westwood backs himself to cope
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:06GMT

Lee Westwood believes he can cope with the added pressure of leading a Major championship heading into the final round and go on to win the Masters.The Englishman will take a one-shot lead into Sundays final round at Augusta National after carding a three-under-par 69 on Saturday to keep him one shot ahead of the field.Westwood is bidding to become the first European since Nick Faldo in 1996 to pull on the famous Green Jacket.However, his lead was cut to one...

Mickelson secures Masters hat trick
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:05GMT

Phil Mickelson won his third Masters title at Augusta by firing a final round 67 to finish three shots clear of Englands Lee Westwood.Westwood, in search of his first Major title, went into day four holding a one-shot lead, but a bogey at the first hole would set the tone for a disappointing day, as he closed out with a 71 for a 13-under par total.Meanwhile, Mickelson shot a superb five-under par round to end 16-under par for the tournament, adding...

Westwood maintains Major quest
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:03GMT

Englands Lee Westwood vowed not to give up his search for a first Major title, after being denied victory at the Masters by a last-day surge from Phil Mickelson.Westwood held a one-shot lead going in the day four at Augusta, but was unable to match the magic of Mickelson, now a three-time Green Jacket winner.Worksops Westwood commented: "I think I just need to keep doing what Im doing. One of these days the doors going to open for me."Ive finished third,...

Woods set to take another break
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:40:01GMT

World number one Tiger Woods vowed to take another break from the game after finishing fourth at the Masters in his first tournament since a five-month lay-off.The American was unhappy with his game despite finishing tied for fourth place with KJ Choi, just five shots behind eventual winner Phil Mickelson.Woods said after a final round 69: "Im going to take a little time off and kind of re-evaluate things."I finished fourth. Not what I wanted. I wanted to win this tournament,...