Tiger Woods agrees with Phil Mickelson on taxes

January 22, 2013|By Chris Dufresne

Tiger Woods competes in Abu Dhabi last week. (Ross Kinnaird / Getty Images )

Here are a few highlights from Tiger Woods' Tuesday morning news conference in advance of this week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

--Tiger agrees with Phil?

Well, sort of.

Phil Mickelson made news this week when he said he might leave California because of the state's income tax laws.

"Well, I moved out of here back in '96 for that reason," Woods explained. "I enjoy Florida, but also I understand what he was, I think, trying to say. I think he'll probably explain it better and in a little more detail."

Mickelson's pre-tournament interview is scheduled for Wednesday.

--Woods really likes his chances this week.

Well, duh. Woods has dominated the seaside course at Torrey Pines, winning this event six times and also capturing his 14th, and last, major championship here at the 2008 U.S. Open.

"I feel comfortable here, there's no doubt,'' Woods said.

Woods' most vivid memory of his 2008 playoff win over Rocco Mediate?

"Just the pure pain I was in," Woods said. He played the event with a knee injury that would require surgery. "I don't ever want to experience that again."

--Woods, who recently turned 37 and more recently missed the cut at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, said he believes he will win another major.

"Absolutely," Woods said.

--Woods dodged a question on whether he will ever play the Northern Trust Open at Riviera. Woods last played the event, which he has never won, in 2006.

What would it take for him to play?

"I don't know," Woods said. "We'll see."

--Woods thinks Torrey Pines deserves to host another U.S. Open.

Well, duh II.

"Absolutely, absolutely," he said. "I think they've proven that they can host a great U.S. Open here."

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