SAN DIEGO, California - Tiger Woods returned to Torrey Pines, the site of some of his greatest triumphs, for a practice round on Wednesday ahead of his US PGA season debut at the $US6.1 million ($A5.8 million) Farmers Insurance Open.
"I feel comfortable here. There's no doubt about that," Woods said. "There are a few courses like that where I've had my share of success."
Woods won his most recent major title at Torrey Pines in 2008, limping to a playoff victory over Rocco Mediate for his 14th major, only four shy of the all-time record set by Jack Nicklaus.
"I do look at that week often," Woods said. "What comes back to me is the memory of pure pain."
During his practice round, Woods was more concerned about adapting to a course that was firmer than usual.
"This golf course was playing different. I can't remember it playing this dry. It has been a while."
Woods has not won a major crown since the 2008 US Open, struggling with injuries and the aftermath of his sex scandal.
But he has also won the course's PGA event six times, including four in a row from 2005-'08 plus 1999 and 2003.
That gives him seven career titles at Torrey Pines as well as at PGA events at Bay Hill and Firestone.
Sam Snead holds the record for PGA titles at one event with eight at Greensboro.
Snead also owns the career mark for PGA victories at 82 with Woods second at 74.
Woods, whose most recent triumph came last year at Congressional in the National, says his emphasis this season will be on improving his overall game.