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Golf

Woods ready to get back on course

SAN DIEGO -- Less than an hour after Phil Mickelson acknowledged he was wrong to criticize Tiger Woods' equipment, his cell phone rang.

Just like that, golf's latest feud appeared to be over.

"I did call him back," Woods said Wednesday. "We talked and cleared the air. Everything is fine. No worries."

The only worry for Woods is the condition of his left knee -- and his game.

He'll know more about both when the Buick Invitational begins today at soggy Torrey Pines, marking the return of the world's No. 1 player after knee surgery Dec. 12.

Woods said while his knee is not 100 percent, it's much better than last year and is strong enough for him to play.

"I'm expecting to go out there and give it my best and see what happens," he said.

NICKLAUS COMMITS: Jack Nicklaus officially entered next week's Verizon Classic, but wants the right to change his mind, the tournament announced.

To compete in the Champions Tour event at the TPC of Tampa Bay, Nicklaus had to commit by Friday. But he is playing this weekend's ACE Group Classic in Naples and is unsure if his bad back will allow him to play consecutive weeks.

"I really hope to be able to play the Verizon Classic," Nicklaus, 63, said in a statement. "I like the golf course and I've always enjoyed playing the event."

Nicklaus has played the tournament five times, and won in 1996 when he came from five shots back on the final day.

Last year he played only three official events, two on the Champions Tour, because of recurring back problems.

But Nicklaus lost 20 pounds in the offseason and played well at the season-opening MasterCard Championship two weeks ago, shooting a final-round 66.

"We're thrilled to have Jack commit to come back to the Verizon Classic, not only as a former champion but also as the greatest to ever play the game," said tournament director David Porter. The 54-hole event is Feb. 21-23. GARCIA INJURED: Sergio Garcia's status for the Johnnie Walker Classic was uncertain after he strained a hamstring kicking a football at a charity event.

WIE INVITED: Thirteen-year-old Michelle Wie received an invitation to play in the Jamie Farr Kroger Classic.

-- Times staff writer Bob Harig contributed to this report.

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