Photo: ©  2010 AP via AAP/Harry How

Despite almost five months away from the game, Woods remains the world's number one golfer and says he is fully intent on winning himself yet another green jacket in his return tournament this week.

"Nothing's changed, [I'm] going to go out there and try to win this thing," he told reporters.

But he also said his recent sex scandal had made he reconsider his priorities in life.

"Winning golf tournaments … is irrelevant compared to the damage I've caused.

"I hurt so many people close to me. I lied to myself.

"I missed my son's first birthday. That hurts a lot. I can't go back to where I was.

"That was very bad, that day. That was something I regret and probably will for the rest of my life."

Woods talked openly about his ongoing rehabilitation, saying he was "certainly a much better person for it".

"I was in there for 45 days, and it was to take a hard look at myself - and I did."

It is widely reported that Woods is being treated for sex addiction, but he refused to specify what his rehab was for, simply saying "that's personal".