Fit-again Woods seeks Zozo glory

Tiger Woods insists he feels fitter than he has for a while as he prepares for yet another comeback at the inaugural Zozo Championship. The 43-year-old’s 2019 season ended after the FedEx Cup play-offs’ BMW Championship as he was forced to have surgery on a troublesome left knee issue. The problem had been bothering the veteran American for some time but he opted to delay surgery to play as much as he could this year, with victory in the Masters back in April vindicating that decision. He was never the same player after Augusta, however, missing the cut at both the US PGA Championship and the Open, making just five appearances after winning his 15th major. Woods does not usually play at this time of year but a period of enforced rest has left him feeling refreshed for Japan. “I’m excited about having this end-of-the-year run where I’m feeling much more fit,” he said. “I don’t have the achiness that I’ve been dealing with for the last couple years. “I’ve always wanted to win around the world and I’ve won here a couple times. Would love to get another one.” It is a strong 78-man field at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, with Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey all joining the US contingent in the Far East.