Cheyenne Woods discusses Tiger’s inspiration and her return to Omega Dubai Ladies Masters

Cheyenne Woods speaks to media at a press conference ahead of this weekend's Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club on December 6, 2016 in Dubai. David Cannon / Getty ImagesShow less

Cheyenne Woods returns to the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters this week after debuting in 2014. The American star, the niece of Tiger Woods, spoke to the media at Emirates Golf Club on Tuesday.

On her uncle’s competitive return

“I haven’t spoken to Tiger in maybe a month or two, but to see his comeback – and everyone was anticipating this week of golf he just played – I was real excited to see him not only on the course, but on the course playing well. That’s the Tiger we’ve all missed. I think everybody was happy to see the fist pump and see Tiger making birdies and holing out bunker shots, because that’s the Tiger that we all remember. Tiger is to me the greatest golfer that’s played, and the greatest golfer in my lifetime, at least.”

On her uncle’s influence

“The thing I get from watching Tiger play and watching Tiger play well is just being inspired. Just seeing how hard he’s worked, and you know how hard he’s worked into coming back from his injury and getting back into playing position. To see him again playing great golf, and to know that no matter whatever he’s gone through — injuries, everything — that he’s able to come back and be the greatest golfer that we know. That inspires a lot of us golfers who grew up watching him play. I know a lot of us out here play golf because of him.”

On the week ahead

“I enjoy playing this course. I played in this event only two years ago, the one time. But I do enjoy it, and I think that’s partially because it somewhat reminds me of being home in Phoenix. It’s kind of a desert landscape out here with the dirt and stuff, but it reminds me of home, the weather, the scenery – minus the buildings. It’s nice to be out here. It’s familiar.”

On her Dubai downtime

“I have many plans this week. I’m staying a few days after the event, but throughout the week and next week, I’ll be doing some sightseeing things here in Dubai: skydiving, hopefully a desert safari, and a whole bunch of stuff. I would love to go (skydiving) now, but I don’t think my parents or my caddie or my manager would like that. I’ve done it once before in Arizona for my 21st birthday. I love the adrenalin.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport