Fast-healing Tiger feels great

Tiger Woods returns to competition Thursday saying he is pain free and healthy for the first time in two years and eager to add to his 14 major titles.

Woods admitted Tuesday that he probably would not have returned this week if it were not an event that benefits his charity foundation, his original goal having been to return in three weeks at the British Open at Royal Liverpool.

“We all thought the British Open would be my first event back, but I healed fast,” said Woods, who credited his physical therapists and attention to nutrition with speeding his recovery.

Woods, who was toppled from atop the world rankings last month and is rated fifth this week, says that despite the nagging knee, leg and back injuries that have bothered him in recent years, he sees only minimal risk of reinjuring himself by returning sooner than first planned.

“All the strengthening exercises I’ve done throughout the years have paid off and have allowed me to get back quicker and to get back to this point,” Woods said.

Woods was able to swing fully with a driver about two weeks ago and began to play practice rounds.

Woods visited the White House on Tuesday to again meet US President Barack Obama at a ceremony to honor the 2013 US Presidents Cup team’s triumph, in which Woods took the clinching point.

It’s always an interesting experience,” Woods said, recalling one visit when Obama kept some important-looking people waiting so he could talk about sports with Woods.