Woods tries staredown with reporter over book

Associated Press

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.

Tiger Woods had a terse exchange with a magazine reporter Wednesday over excerpts from his former swing coach’s new book, and ended the conversation with a long stare and a sarcastic, “Have a good day.”

If that wasn’t enough, he fielded 10 questions about his putting.

And so began a bumpy road to the Masters for Woods, who has gone more than two years without winning on the PGA Tour, and is approaching the four-year anniversary of his last major championship.

Woods, who last year moved to Palm Beach County, is playing the Honda Classic for the first time since 1993, when he was a 17-year-old with no big concerns except to finish high school.

Hank Haney’s book, “The Big Miss,” is scheduled for release March 27, the week before the Masters. The book is about Haney’s six years as Woods’ swing coach, and Golf Digest on Tuesday began to release excerpts through its tablet applications.

In the excerpt, Haney details Woods’ fascination with the military, particularly the Navy SEALs.When asked about the book, Woods said his disappointment with Haney hasn’t changed. When asked his reaction to the excerpt, Woods replied, “Well, I’ve already talked about it.”

The press conference at PGA National turned awkward when Alex Miceli, a Golfweek senior writer and contributor to Golf Channel, asked Woods if he considered being a Navy SEAL at the height of his career.

“I’ve already talked about everything in the book. I’ve already commented on everything, Alex,” Woods said.

“Then I must have missed you answering that question,” Miceli replied.

“Well, I’ve already commented on the book. Is that in the book? Is it in the book?” Woods said.

Miceli replied he had not seen the book.

“You’re a beauty, you know that?” Woods said, trying to smile.