Time still on Tiger's side

Tiger Woods is confident he can still catch Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors ahead of this week's US Open.

The American is just four major wins back of his compatriot in the all-time list, but his last success came in the US Open at Torrey Pines four years ago.

At least Woods does go into this year's event in good form - he claimed the 73rd PGA Tour victory of his career at the Memorial two weeks ago.

He also insists that age is no barrier these days in the sport of golf, as Tom Watson nearly proved at the tender age of 59 in the Open at Carnoustie in 2009.

"Well, Jack did it at 46, right? So I've got 10 (years)," the 36-year-old said.

"Watson almost pulled it off at 59. It can be done.

"We can play for a very long time. That's the great thing about staying in shape and lifting weights and being fit - the playing careers have been extended."

Woods found himself in a similar situation for this year's Masters - in the build-up to the opening major he had triumphed at Bay Hill, only to then finish way down in 40th position at Augusta.

"When I went into Augusta (for the Masters), I did not feel comfortable hitting the ball up," he admitted.

"And I got back into a lot of my old patterns. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

"That's what made playing Muirfield (for the Memorial tournament) so nice is that I had those shots and I was doing it the correct way. I had compression and I was hitting the ball high and hitting it long. That was fun."

The former world number one is "excited" about the prospect of playing at the Olympic Club in San Francisco this week - a venue he knows all about from his days studying at Stanford University.

"I'm looking forward to it. I've played the golf course now a couple of times and it's quick out there," he added.

"I'm excited about playing, excited about this golf course. I've played a lot here in college and it's great to be back."