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Tiger: 'Expectations have gone up' after strong showing at Honda Classic

Sam Greenwood / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Tiger Woods made the most positive step in his comeback to date this week at The Honda Classic, as the 14-time major winner finished the tournament in 12th-place at even-par.

Woods finished the week leading the field in proximity to the hole while sitting third in driving distance. He admitted afterward that his improved ball-striking has caused him to raise his expectations.

"My expectations have gone up. I'm hitting the ball better. I knew I could putt it, I knew I could chip it, but I didn't know how well I was going to hit it," Woods said on Golf Channel after the round. "I've had to get used to certain things. I can't do what I used to do. I can't hit the same shots from the same body positions, they're different. I'm getting used to it, more accustomed to it, I'm very pleased with it, especially this week."

Through the opening eight holes on Sunday, Woods gave fans a vintage final-round performance, posting three birdies while wearing his traditional red shirt. While he would fade with a two-over 37 on the back-9, the 42-year-old gave fans a reminder of what he's capable of at the highest level.

"I know it's been a long time, but I remember how to do this," Woods said. "I'm disappointed I didn't shoot 3-under coming in to sneak into a playoff, but I gave myself a chance."

While he didn't qualify for next week's World Golf Championship event in Mexico City, Woods said he will get back in the gym and work at getting stronger to peak during the first week of April for The Masters.

If he can head to Augusta with some of the form he showed at PGA National, don't be shocked to see him in contention on a track he's dominated in the past.

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