Tiger ready to compete: Layoff 'killed me inside'

It's Tiger's time again.

The spotlight is shining on Woods' every move this week as the PGA's most famous product nears his return at the Hero World Challenge, beginning Thursday in the Bahamas.

Woods addressed his 15-month absence from the Tour at a press conference Tuesday morning.

"It was the smart thing to do, even though as a competitive athlete it killed me inside," he said.

Over his career, Woods has made his fierce will to win a trademark, but he admitted it became a roadblock in his previous comeback attempts.

"I wanted to compete, I felt like I was ready to compete because as I said, I've played with less and I've won," he said. "It's a lot better situation this year than last."

Woods underwent three back surgeries. He originally announced he'd return at the Safeway Open in October, but postponed his comeback.

This time around, the world's 879th-ranked golfer says he's ready.

"To get back out here at this level has been a challenge," Woods said. "A lot of hard work, and extreme, inordinate amount of patience, which you all know is not one of my hallmarks."

Winning, though, is one of the 14-time major champion's hallmarks.

"I'm going to try to do the same thing I always do," he said. "I'm entered in the event and I'm going to try and win this thing."