PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – FEBRUARY 13: Tiger Woods ahead of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club on February 13, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo Getty Images)

By Alex Myers
Tiger Woods’ latest comeback to competitive golf has had a different feel thus far. We’ve seen Woods more talkative and loose on the course, and the 14-time major champ even admitted to having more realistic goals ahead of his recent start at Torrey Pines — a stark departure from his usual win-or-bust mentality. But in the heat of serious contention, golf fans still can expect to see a vintage Tiger.

At his Tuesday pre-tournament press conference ahead of the Genesis Open, Woods was asked whether he could “turn the cold shoulder” to some of the young stars he’s formed relationships with — two of which, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, he’ll tee it up with on Thursday and Friday at Riviera — in recent years, and how he thought they’d react. And Woods responded like the man who once simply — and fantastically — said “9 and 8” when asked for his reaction to beating Stephen Ames 9 and 8.

“I don’t care how they react,” Woods said. “Hey, I’m trying to win a tournament. I’m sure they feel the same way. But, hey. . . it’s winning time.”

There’s the old Tiger we know and love. You can watch a full clip of the exchange here:   

In other words, don’t expect too much on-course chit-chat if these three friends are still paired for a late tee time on Sunday.