PGA Tour leaderboard LIVE: Tiger Woods updates from the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Tiger Woods is coming into the Bay Hill tournament in arguably his best week of the season following an impressive showing at Valspar last week.

The American is targeting a ninth victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, while Marc Leishman will be hoping to defend his crown.

“Just because I won here eight times doesn’t mean I’m going to win this week automatically,” Woods said.

“I’ve still got to do the work. I’ve still got to go through the process of getting myself in position.”

Justin Day is the second favourite to win the tournament behind Woods, and admits the 14-time Major winner cannot be ruled out.

“We keep saying it’s surprising, but it’s Tiger Woods, for God’s sake,” he said.

“A lot of people are excited about how Tiger’s starting to show signs in the right direction, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun over the next two days.

“They’re all out there for him. There are going to be a lot of cheers for him and that’s fine, but I need to put my head down and just try to do my job.”

In the lead up to the tournament, Woods admitted he is is ready and raring to go as he bids for another Green Jacket at the Masters next month.

“There is no place like it. It has a special place in my heart,” he added.

“From the time I first won there, to the other times I won the Green Jacket. Nothing compares to Augusta National.

“If I knew I’d tell you. I just don’t know. It just happened. I was living in so much pain it didn’t know it.

“Now I don’t feel like I’m swinging as hard, but still producing good club speed.”