Tiger Woods believes being injury-free will be key to him lifting a 15th major title.
Woods heads into the Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes, looking to close in on Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, and his first since 2008. The American will also wrest back the No 1 ranking if he wins in England and current world number one Luke Donald finished outside the top three.
"I think I missed four majors just because I was injured," Woods said.
"I figure if I'm healthy, then I can prepare properly for major championships and I can get myself there. I had to go through that whole process of getting healthy again.
"Being banged up and missing four major championships because of it in a couple-year stretch isn't a whole lot of fun."
Woods has not had a good time in the Majors this year. A tie for 40th at the Masters, was his worst finish as a professional at Augusta, while his tie for 21st at the US Open, after sharing the lead at the end of two rounds, was his second worst.
While the 36-year-old has won three PGA tour titles, this year, he has been inconsistent. Woods, himself, was unable to explain the reason behind it. "If I knew the answer I'd tell you, but I don't," he said.
"I just keep trying to work and keep trying to get better. And I've had a few wins this year, which is good. But also I've had a few poor performances (two missed cuts), as well."
Woods believes the field is much deeper than before, pointing out to the fact that there have been 15 different winners in the last 15 majors. "I think the fields are deeper, there's no doubt," the former world No 1 said.
"And we're having to shoot some pretty low scores in general. But I think you need to have a hot week at the right time. That's what it comes down to.
"I think that there are more guys now that have a chance to win major championships than ever before, and I think that will just continue to be that way.
"I just try and put myself there. I think if I continue putting myself there enough times, then I'll win major championships."
