Tiger Woods is more interested in the process of trying to play the shots required than about moving into the history books.
Woods, who is three behind Jack Nicklaus’ tally of 18 Major championships, returns to work on Thursday at Torrey Pines level with Sam Snead on 82 PGA TOUR wins.
The 44-year-old isn’t obsessing with taking his place at the top of the all-time list as he prepares for the Farmers Insurance Open.
‘That number, just trying to get to 83, I really don’t think about it,’ Woods told a press conference.
‘Because I still have to think about all the things I need to do to win the golf tournament. There’s so many different shots I have to play. Strategy, thinking my way around the golf course. I’m more consumed in that.’
Woods’ win at Augusta last year was one of sport’s greatest triumphs but it also brought chasing down Nicklaus back onto the discussion table.
Time may have the final say in the matter.
‘Even to get to the number I’m at right now, 15, is a lot,’Woods said.
‘Not too many guys who are around have seen that kind of number before. It’s just going to take time. It took Jack about 26 years to get to his number, it’s taken me 20-odd years to get to my mine.
‘It just takes time to accumulate wins. There were a number of years where I didn’t play so there were some missed opportunities. But I’m playing again now so these are blessed opportunities and I didn’t think I’d have these.’
