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Tiger Woods tired after sleepless nights following anniversary of father's death

Tiger Woods says this time of year is always tough for him.

Nine years ago on Sunday, Woods' father, Earl, passed away. For the 14-time major winner, Earl Woods wasn't just dad, but his best friend, confidant, teacher and legend-builder. Losing a parent is difficult for anyone and seemingly never gets easier, and Woods still struggles with the loss.

After a nine-hole practice round on Tuesday at The Players Championship, Woods remarked that he was tired after three consecutive restless nights.

“This three-day stretch is very tough," Woods said.

"I haven’t slept. And with what happened Sunday it’s been brutal.”

The last line was an allusion to his break-up with champion skier and girlfriend of nearly three years, Lindsey Vonn. Vonn posted first to Facebook on Sunday to announce the couple had split, largely due to their hectic schedules that keep them apart for long stretches. The grind was no longer manageable -- something Woods mentioned in a similar statement later in the day.

Woods said he was also rusty in his practice round. This is his first start since finishing T-17 at the Masters in April. However, he did win The Players the last time he competed there in 2013. Woods knows that, at least for him, he'll have to shake off the rust quickly or he'll be an afterthought this weekend.

"When you're on, this golf course doesn't seem that hard," he said. "You feel like every round you should shoot 67 or lower. Then you have days where you're like, God, I don't think I can break 75 here."


Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.