Woods back in search of the old hunger

US OPEN MEMORIAL:TIGER WOODS is looking to step up his comeback from injury when the Memorial Tournament gets under way in Ohio today.

The world number one will compete for the first time since last month’s Players Championship at the event hosted by Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Woods is still working his way back to top form after an eight-month lay-off following knee surgery as he chases his second victory since his return.

“I’m really looking forward to competing again at the Memorial Tournament and I’ve been working hard on my game since the Players Championship,” the 33-year-old, who won the tournament in 1999, 2000 and 2001, wrote in his monthly newsletter.

The 14-time major winner underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee last June, which ruled him out of last year’s tournament, but he has recorded five top-10 finishes in six Tour starts since returning to fitness.

“(That record) isn’t too bad considering how long I was away from the game after my knee surgery,” Woods said. “It’s just frustrating when you’re in position to win and don’t get it done. I just need more repetitions.

Woods also has an eye on the defence of his US Open crown later this month. He dramatically beat Rocco Mediate on the first hole of sudden-death play-off to claim last year’s title, despite being severely hampered by his knee problem.

“The US Open will be here soon. I’m definitely going to try to go to Bethpage to play and take a look at the course. They’ve made a few changes since I won there in 2002 and I want to check them out,” he added.

First up, though, is the Memorial and Woods will face stiff competition from last year’s winner, Kenny Perry. The Kentuckian, like Woods, has tasted success three times at Muirfield Village. The pair are the only players to have achieved that feat. Perry only missed out on the US Masters title to Angel Cabrera in a play-off, having led the field by two shots with two holes to play.

England’s Paul Casey is also a contender, having won last month’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

SELECTED TEE-TIMES (Irish):

13.03 – Steve Stricker, Pádraig Harrington (Ire), Charley Hoffman. 17.43 – Zach Johnson, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els (Rsa). 17.54 – Sean O’Hair, Dustin Johnson, Kenny Perry. 10th tee:13.03 – Jerry Kelly, Paul Casey (Eng), Robert Allenby (Aus). 13.14 – Geoff Ogilvy (Aus), Vijay Singh (Fij), Jim Furyk.

Course: Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, Ohio

Length: 7,265 yards. Par: 72.

Prizemoney: €4.2 million, €760,000 for the winner

Field: Strong.

Defending champion: Veteran Kenny Perry virtually sealed his Ryder Cup place with his third victory in Jack Nicklaus’ tournament. First played: Roger Maltbie won inaugural staging in 1976.

Most wins: 3: Kenny Perry (1991, 2003, 2008), Tiger Woods (1999, 2000, 2001).

On TV: Setanta Golf, 8pm-11pm.

Weather: Mainly dry, 24 degrees.