Snedeker wary of Woods' record

Last updated: 24th January 2013

It's probably no accident that Tiger Woods has chosen the Farmers Insurance Open to kickstart his PGA Tour campaign.

Even for a player of Woods' pedigree, Torrey Pines has been a happy hunting ground. The 37-year-old has an incredible scoring average of 68.6 in nearly 50 Tour rounds at the venue.

"That's just phenomenal - I mean, that's stupid," said defending champion Brandt Snedeker. "If you shoot even par on the South Course you're doing great.

"Any time Tiger has a record I put an asterisk by it because it's Tiger's record. It's not normal."

Woods did not play last year, but his presence this week is welcomed by the reigning champ - even if it makes his chances of defending his title harder.

"He's so great for the game of golf," Snedeker said of his Ryder Cup teammate. "We're so fortunate to have him back and playing well. He adds a little bit more electricity to the tournament.

"There are certain guys when they walk into a room people gravitate towards them. Greg Norman had that same magnetism, Phil (Mickelson) does and these guys really move the needle on the game of golf."

Woods is coming off a missed cut in the Middle East, due in large part to a two-stroke penalty received after the completion of his second round, but he's feeling confident about his game and admits that Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championship victories is still in his sights.

"Absolutely," said the 14-time major winner. "I would have to say the majority of last year I hit it pretty good, but my putting and short game weren't quite there.

"That finally came around, so towards the end of the season I was able to spend more time with my chipping and putting and that's come around. Now I've got to marry up both of those two combos."

As for this week, Woods added: "The course is on the quick side - it's drier than we normally play it, so it will be a wonderful test."

While he plays his first round on the South Course alongside Nick Watney and Rickie Fowler, over on the easier North lay-out Phil Mickelson tees off with Snedeker and Masters champion Bubba Watson.