Tiger Woods [Images] got a sneak preview on Wednesday of the venue for next week's US Open, playing his first round of golf since having knee surgery seven weeks ago.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the American world number one spent three hours and 15 minutes on the South Course at Torrey Pines where security was tight.

Spectators and media were barred from the course and Woods, who was accompanied by swing coach Hank Haney, ended his practice round after laying up in two at the par-five 18th.

It was his first visit to Torrey Pines since his victory there at the PGA Tour's Buick Invitational in January. Woods has won the tournament for the last four years, and six times overall.

Earlier this week, the 13-times major winner expressed confidence about his prospects for the June 12-15 U.S. Open.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out there," Woods said in a conference call on Monday. "(It is) just a matter of going out there and really getting into the competitive flow."

US Open champion at Pebble Beach in 2000 and at Bethpage Black in 2002, Woods is the heavy favourite at Torrey Pines where he knows the course as well as anyone else in the field.

Argentina's Angel Cabrera defends his title in the second major of the season, having triumphed by a shot last year at Oakmont Country Club.