A great year,even without a Major

His reference point is the US PGA Championship a year ago,when he was home in Florida just learning to walk again after surgery on his left knee to rebuild the ligaments. Woods knew he would play again. He just wasnt sure what to expect. Five victories? A scoring average that is a full stroke better than anyone else?

For me to come back and play,and play as well as Ive done and actually win golf events8230; to be honest with you,I dont think any of us would have thought I could have won this many events this year, he said.

Its not as though he is abandoning thoughts on winning at Hazeltine and joining Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen with five victories in the PGA Championship. For the first time,Woods is ending a three-week span of competition at a Major. What makes him a heavy favourite,besides his obvious skill,is winning the last two times he has played.

Not fined,says Woods

Woods said he was not fined by the US PGA Tour for his critical remarks about a rules official putting the last group on the clock at the Bridgestone Invitational. A tour official said that the worlds No 1 player would be fined for his comment. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the tour does not publicise fines. Ive heard from the tour and theres no fine, Woods said.

Meanwhile,Woods has indicated he would play in the Olympics if golf became part of the program in 2016. The International Olympic Committee executive board is to meet on Thursday in Berlin to recommend two sports for inclusion in the 2016 games. If Im not retired by then,yeah, Woods said.