The hoopla surrounding the return to golf of world number one Woods this week should ease the pressure on Yang at the first major since his Hazeltine triumph, but he is feeling the weight of expectation.
"Just because you have won a major doesn't suddenly escalate your talent. It is merely an achievement which is quite precious to me but it doesn't win me any more tournaments or count as multiple wins," the 38-year-old said in an Asian Tour release.
"There is added pressure which I need to brush off and keep my mental game as it was 10 to 15 years ago. I really have to pace myself to meet my own expectations."
Yang will be playing his third Masters this week and having missed the cut last year, knows a full weekend's play is by no means guaranteed.
His victory at Hazeltine did, however, not only win him a five year exemption for major tournaments and the U.S. PGA Tour but had a big impact on his confidence.
"Now I have long term stability. It has brought a lot of confidence to me not only on the golf course, but off it as well. I was pretty shy and I still am, but I can be more of myself now," said Yang.
"Above anything else, it has brought immense happiness to me and my family," he added. "My wife seems to look lovelier than ever and the kids are sweeter and more precious. I am thankful for all that I have in my life."
(Writing by Nick Mulvenney in Beijing, editing by Patrick Johnston)
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