Quotes of the Week: November 30, 2014

“I welcome the challenge because these are the best years of my career and I’m going to have to get the best out of myself to beat a guy like that (Rory McIlroy)… I didn’t think I could get back to world No. 1 this year… I remember sitting down with my team and thinking about what I wanted to do, and it was going to take a lot to get back to world No. 1. I didn’t think it was possible this year. I was thinking maybe early ’15.”

“No major compares to this… Today was exciting. Great people to be around you. I loved it.” – on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom

''It’s the best round I have ever played, especially considering the conditions. It was just kind of one of those rounds when you’re in the zone and you’re not sure what you’re at. It’s nice that it came on a Sunday.’' - After winning the Australian Open with a 63

“Winning the Rookie of the Year means so much... I’ve worked so hard this year, and to see the results is fun. To cap the year off with a win in Turkey has made this year special, and it’s a goal I’ve been working for since I was able to come out on tour, and that was the goal starting the year.” - on being named European Tour Rookie of the Year

“You could give me another 100 rounds today at The Australian and I wouldn’t sniff 63.... Well done Jordan Spieth, very impressive! “

“They were aware that we were encouraging athletes to speak their mind… I think they felt we were reaching a broader audience than their site… The thrust of the piece came from (Woods)… We offer editing advice on all pieces but only at the discretion of the athlete.” - on Tiger’s response to Dan Jenkins article being published on Derek Jeter’s new website

“History was made last night by my grandpa. Thanks Charlie for inspiring Pop, who then in turn inspired me and others like us. Heroic fight & you won.” - on Charlie Sifford receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom

“If I’m ever asked to be captain then yes, I’d love to be a captain of a Ryder Cup team,”

“He has got a great relationship with the players and he would be a very worthy captain” - on the idea of Darren Clarke being named the next European Ryder Cup captain

''We’ve got more big events around the world that are linked to the PGA Tour... I think the ball is really in their court as to what direction we want to go. It certainly has got the power to dictate to tournaments when they are and where they are. ... If I was the Australian Open or one of the other tournaments, I’d be knocking on Tim Finchem’s door and trying to make it a World Golf Championship.’' - on the idea of there one day being a global tour

“It would be unbelievable to be part of the team. If I qualify, and I hope I do because when next year comes around that will become a burning goal of mine, I may even allow myself the thought of carrying the South African flag into the stadium.” - on making the Olympics in 2016