MIAMI: Tiger Woods' rivals may feel as if they are stepping into his private lair this week when the American world No 1 defends his Arnold Palmer Invitational title at Bay Hill Club in Orlando.

Although Woods will be playing only his third tournament since being sidelined for eight months after having reconstructive knee surgery midway through last year, he has established a remarkable record at the Florida venue.

He won the first of his three consecutive US junior amateur titles there in 1991 and this week will be seeking to triumph for a record sixth time at the PGA Tour event hosted by Palmer.