Tiger Woods said today that the big breakthrough in his comeback was not his win last month, but what came before in Australia.
The former World Number One starts his season on The European Tour at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship this week and could be back close to the top ten if he beats a field including Europe's top four in the world - Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer.
Woods ended more than two years without a victory at the Chevron World Challenge, but that followed a third place finish at the Australian Open in Sydney and a superb singles win over Aaron Baddeley at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne.
Asked by Sky Sports if he saw the Chevron as a big step forward Woods said: "I certainly did, but I think Australia was probably more.
"I played really well at the Open, then carried on in the Presidents Cup and basically continued that trend in the World Challenge. Hopefully I can build on that heading into this year and get ready for Augusta."
His bid for a fifth Masters and 15th major starts on April 5.
"Australia was big. I hit so many good shots, especially when the wind was howling at 30mph, with gusts at more than that.
"When I went into the World Challenge I was very excited that I had control of my game and it turned out that way. I really controlled my golf ball and the last two holes (he birdied them both to beat Zach Johnson) it was nice to make a couple of key putts."
McIlroy and Westwood won on the same day to set up the prospect of some thrilling battles ahead.
"I think we are all excited," added Woods. "It's always nice to have everyone playing well at the same time.
"I've had stretches where there were Vijay (Singh), Phil (Mickelson), myself, Ernie (Els), Goose (Retief Goosen) where we were all playing well.
"Now it's a different generation of guys, so it's very exciting."
Woods fell outside the game's top 50 late last season, but thanks to his victory in California is currently 25th.
Woods is making his first appearance in Abu Dhabi having previously competed in neighbouring Dubai and is looking forward to the challenge of the National course.
“HSBC has been a huge supporter of my foundation for years, and I have played in the Shanghai event, and just have not played this one until this week, so I'm looking forward to it. I hear nothing but positive things of the golf course. I know it's been a long one. But somehow the scores seem to be pretty low.
“So it will be nice to get out there today this afternoon and kind of take a look at it and see how it's playing, and trying to figure out my sight lines and some of the green speeds.”
