Recovering Tiger Woods ready to play host

ALBANY (Bahamas): It was ten years ago that Tiger Woods stepped up to the Delhi Golf Club tee. Around 25,000 had turned up to watch, but all Tiger could see was "fog". "We couldn't see the first hole, so I just hit it straight."
The second hole was clearer and more interesting. "The dogleg right par 4, I didn't realize how close the people were on the tee box and I had to send it kind of right across their noses a little bit," the five-time winner and host of the Hero World Challenge said with a smile.
While his return to a similar show in India remains uncertain, what is certain is that the 48-year-old is not tournament sharp yet. Playing at Albany, Bahamas this week for a purse of $5million is a 20-player field including World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler, three other top-10 p layers and six others from the top-20 and it has proven to be a daunting challenge. Tiger, who is still recovering from a procedure for nerve impingement in his lower back, was matter-off-act: " I'm not sharp enough to compete against them at this level. The fire still burns to compete but the difference is the recovery of the body. That's part of age, and part of an athlete's journey."
The news conference with Hero MotoCorp executive chairman Pawan Munjal, was held to announce the extension of the title sponsorship till 2030. And in the next few days, enthusiasts will focus on what's unfolding on the course in the PGA Tour sanctioned event. But there was a chance to grill Woods on varied topics from his health to field sizes, from Ryder Cup money to bettering fan experience to PIF negotiations. And he was forthcoming.
There was talk about natural progression his father Earl's influence, and Tiger being a mentor to teen son Charlie. "As long as I'm able to kind of enjoy being out there watching him play and teach him and just be a part of his life instead of just laying there (because of injuries), I'm happy. But sitting on the sidelines is one of the harder things for me to do."
But this week, he admits it will be "fun to host".
(The writer is in Albany on the invitation of Hero MotoCorp)