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Tiger says he is healthy...well, mostly

September 10, 2010

LEMONT, Ill. -- As Tiger Woods immerses himself in the task of yet again rebuilding his golf swing, this time with the help of Canadian Sean Foley, it's a fair question to ask how his body is holding up amid the most intense stretch of golf he's encountered since last November's automobile accident sidelined him for five months.

Woods, nearing his 35th birthday in December, sustained undisclosed injuries when he crashed his SUV into a tree near his home in Windermere, Fla., on Thanksgiving weekend, and he had to withdraw from the Players May 11 with a neck injury. His 2009 season included six victories but also lingering problems with the left knee that he had surgically repaired following his 2008 U.S. Open victory at Torrey Pines.

"Am I healthy? Well, yeah, I feel OK," Woods said tepidly on Friday while signing autographs after a second-round 72 left him at 3-over 145 in the BMW Championship at Cog Hill G&CC.

A year ago Woods won this event for a fifth time, but this year he is fighting to finish high enough to qualify for The Tour Championship in two weeks. He also is fighting old swing habits as he tries to incorporate changes with the help of Foley after instructor Hank Haney and Woods parted ways prior to the U.S. Open. Is building a new swing causing any residual physical problems for one of the game's fittest athletes?

"No, I don't have any issues right now," Woods said. "Everything is OK."

Then he paused and smiled. "Well, I guess my brain isn't very good."

-- *Dave Shedloski