Tiger Woods at pre-Masters press conference: 'I worked my ass off'

Like he never left. 

A chatty, smiling Tiger Woods met the media in the interview room Tuesday at Augusta National Golf Club, showing a strong, confident aura in conversation with reporters.

The four-time Masters winner and 14-time major champion was candid, approachable and quite proud of the work he accomplished outside the public sphere in preparation for his Masters return. 

"I had to have all facets of my game come around, and they have," Woods said. "I worked my ass off."

The best example of this serene outlook: Woods - who displayed an utterly humiliating short-game earlier this season - told reporters he was listening to music while putting in reps around the green Monday because he wanted to "rock out."

He also confirmed he'll play in the par-3 contest, and his two children, Sam and Charlie, will caddy.