Intro:

Tiger Woods defended his absence at the only WGC event in Asia on Thursday saying that 2012 season was his first full season in seven years and his body needed rest after the heavy schedule.

Script:

"Well, it's just like I was explaining last week. I have played a ton of golf since the British Open. And this is my first full season actually since '05 (2005). Since seven full years without playing a full season. I was tired and doing these things are easy. Competing and getting ready for another golf tournament I assume don't want to do that and I've got four more rounds which is my tournament in LA (Los Angeles). And I'm done till Abu Dhabi next year. So I'm looking forward to having this extended break. This is like my off-season now."


"I think it's going to take some time. I've played against a lot of guys over the years that have been really good. Obviously, Phil (Mickelson), Vijay (Singh), Ernie (Els), Goose (Retief Goosen), Paddy (Padraig Harrington), all these guys have won two to four major championships during the time that I've been on tour. Rory has two, but he so young. He is only 23 years old. So give him some time, let him grow, let him develop in the next decade plus, and he has got so much talent. As I said he is only 23, so he is just learning, learning how to play the game. And he is only going to get better with age."


"You know I'm working on it. I have changed coaches recently, couple of years ago and on top of that last year I was hurt most of the summer. And didn't play anything. Implementing change like that after working with a coach for six years has taken its time. I've had a good year this year, won three times this year and I passed Jack (Nicklaus) in all time win list. So its been a good year. Looking forward to the next year and obviously more tournaments, but also four more opportunities at Major championships too. And with my game improving, I'm very excited about that for next year."