Hawaiian opener for Woods

Woods remains the man to beat despite a below-par 2003

World number one Tiger Woods begins the 2004 PGA Tour season on Thursday at the Mercedes Championship in Hawaii.

The American, who missed the £3m event with injury last year, goes up against defending champion Ernie Els.

Eight of the world's top 10 will also be at Kapalua, including Fijian number two Vijay Singh.

"Last year at this time, I wasn't sure when I would be able to compete again. This year my knee is sound and I am ready to go," said Woods.

"Ernie played great golf, but I really wanted to be there. It was tough watching it on TV."

Woods, who has not won one of golf's Majors for 18 months, won in Hawaii in 2000 by beating Els in a play-off after both had eagled the final hole.

The 28-year-old has committed to compete in the Buick Invitational and the WGC Match Play Championships.

The globe-trotting Els racked up the air miles last year

And Woods plans to travel to Dubai in March for the Desert Classic, which he missed last year due to security concerns.

Els, on the other hand, is planning to travel less this year.

A committed "world player", Els spent 350 hours in his private jet last year but intends to take more breaks in his 2004 schedule.

"Last year, I was still playing on both tours in the middle of the year," Els said.

"It will be a little bit quieter (this year) - still a full schedule, still a world schedule."