Woods geared up for US Open return

Tiger Woods is eagerly anticipating his return to Bethpage Black for next months US Open,where he will be defending the title in familiar,successful surroundings.

Woods won the tournament when it was first staged at the public course in 2002 and returns to Long Island as the champion after a 19-hole playoff win over Rocco Mediate last year at another public course,Torrey Pines.

It was a great atmosphere when we played in 2002, Woods said. The fans were truly into it. I think everyone was having a great time. If you made a putt,people went crazy. It was a ton of fun to play in front of that,because its always fun to play in front of people who appreciate shots and are excited that the guys are playing well.