In case you missed it, below is a transcript of the Tiger Woods press conference, held Monday, April 5th, 2PM EST at Augusta National.
CRAIG HEATLEY: Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon, and a very warm welcome to you all. My name is Craig Heatley and I’m the chairman of the Masters Media Committee. It’s my pleasure to welcome everyone to Augusta National Golf Club and to the 2010 Masters Tournament.
I would also like to welcome Tiger Woods, our four time Masters Champion. This is Tiger’s 16th Masters Tournament.
Tiger, we are delighted to have you here with us, and what a beautiful day out there to start Masters week. Are there any comments that you would like to make before we invite questions from the floor?
TIGER WOODS: Sure. Well, today I got a chance to play with Craig there or, sorry, Craig; Freddie, and then Jim joined us on the 13th hole, and it was just what a great day today.
Coming into today, I didn’t know what to expect with regards to the reception, and I tell you what, the galleries couldn’t be nicer. I mean, it was just incredible. The encouragement that I got, it was just it blew me away to be honest with you, it really did. And the people here over the years, I know they are extremely respectful, but today was just something that really touched my heart pretty good.
I would also like to I guess make another little comment before we start. I know that the players over the past few months have been bombarded with questions by all of you and the public, as well, and I would like to tell all of the players, hopefully after today, after answering questions at this press conference, the players can be left alone to focus on the Masters and focus on their game, not only for this week, but going forward, as well. And certainly apologize to all of them for having to endure what they have had to endure the past few months.
A lot has happened in my life over the past five months, and I’m here at the Masters to play and compete. And just really excited about doing that. I missed the competition. I missed seeing the guys out here. A lot of my friends, I haven’t seen in a while. It was great to play golf again with Freddie and Jim, two of my best friends out here, and I played with Mark yesterday for nine holes and I’m playing with him again tomorrow, as well as Steve Stricker.
So it’s been just an incredible experience so far here at the Masters.
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