Golf: Woods says elbow won’t be issue at British Open

Photo: In this July 20, 2002 file photo, Tiger Woods plays from the rough, in the rain, on the first hole during the third round of the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield golf course in Scotland. (AP Photo/Adam Butler)

LOS ANGELES – Tiger Woods said Saturday that he was ready for the British Open and an elbow injury won’t be a problem when the year’s third major championship starts Thursday at Muirfield.

“I started chipping and putting a little over a week ago and I’m full go for the British Open,” said Woods on his website.

“I’m very confident that my left elbow strain won’t be a problem and I will be able to hit all the shots I need. That’s why I took the time off, so it could heal, and I would feel comfortable playing again.”

However, Woods said he was still taking anti-inflammatory medication and getting treatment for the injury. “The big thing at Muirfield Golf Club will be to avoid the rough,” he added.

World number one Woods fought through the elbow pain during the US Open last month, but he finished the tournament 13 over par and 12 shots adrift of winner Justin Rose. In 16 appearances in the event it marked the 14-time major winner’s worst finish.