Tiger seeks to regain putting prowess

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LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods said he anticipates his putting will be sharper this year after focusing on his short game during the off-season.

Woods told a news conference at Torrey Pines Wednesday he had neglected his short game in 2010 but had renewed his focus this fall by going through "thousands of balls" on the range and putting green.

"I didn't focus on my short game as much as I should have (last year)," said Woods. "It was hard to devote the time I needed to."

Woods said much of his practice time in 2010 was taken up with making swing adjustments. The conflict led to a noticeable erosion of Woods's previously masterful work on the greens as he slipped to 58th in the PGA Tour putting rankings with an average of 29 putts per round. He struggled particularly at distances of 15-25 feet.

Woods kicks off his 2011 tour schedule Thursday at the Farmers Open on the San Diego coastline.