Tiger Woods has got used to dealing with the media throughout his illustrious career that when he walked off after nine holes of the Valhalla course this afternoon there was so many of the golfing media waiting for him that he readily agreed  to entertain questions before heading off to walk the back nine of this week’s PGA Championship host venue.

Woods had joined good friend and newly-appointed Ryder Cup vice-captain Steve Stricker along with former PGA Champion Davis Love 111 plus Harris English in playing nine holes of the course.

It was Woods first time in 14 years since he captured the 2000 PGA Championship he had teed-up on the Jack Nicklaus designed course in suburban Louisville.

Woods addressed the media in the ‘flash’ area in front of the Valhalla clubhouse that the cause of the back spasms that forced him out of last Sunday’s final round of the Bridgestone Invitational was his Sacrum bone that became dislodged in playing a difficult shot from the edge of a bunker early into his fourth round.

In contrast to the obvious pain Woods was in last Sunday the 14-time Major winner was in good spirits during his five minute interview this afternoon as evident by his ‘tongue in cheek’ dig at the assembled media.

When asked if he was pain free Woods smiled saying:  “Pain‑free, yes, except for the headache of talking to you guys.”

Tiger Woods says the only pain he has is ‘the headache’ dealing with the media ahead of his first round in the 96th PGA Championship. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)