Woods commits to Abu Dhabi, Farmers

For the second consecutive year, Tiger Woods will begin his new season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, he announced Wednesday. The European Tour event will be played next Thursday through Sunday at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The following week, Tiger will make his 2013 PGA Tour debut at the Farmers Insurance Open, Jan. 24-27, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, Calif.

Last year in Abu Dhabi, Woods shared the 54-hole lead with Robert Rock of England. He closed with an even-par 72 to tie for third place, two strokes behind Rock.

Woods, now No. 3 in the World Golf Ranking, played the first three rounds with Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland. The top-ranked McIlroy is also entered.

“I’m excited to compete again,” said Woods, who won three tournaments on the PGA Tour last year. “I had a good break and went to see Stanford beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Hopefully my good practice sessions will carry over.”

Tiger is a six-time winner of the Farmers and also won the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. He missed last year’s event for the first time — when healthy — in his pro career due to a schedule conflict in Abu Dhabi.

“Obviously, I’ve had good success at Torrey Pines,” Woods said. “I practically grew up playing the South and North Courses. The fans have always been supportive, and I look forward to returning.”