TIGER SETS SIGHTS ON RECORD

A DEFIANT Tiger Woods claims Sam Snead’s all-time US PGA Tour winning record is within reach as he begins the $US67 million ($A91 million) FedEx Cup play-offs buoyed by recent results.

With 79 titles on the US Tour, Woods needs four wins to surpass golf great Snead (82) and the 42-year-old is confident he can defy the odds.

Having spent 10 months on the sidelines in 2017 while recovering from spinal fusion surgery, Woods has showed flashes of his brilliant best this year. He held the lead on the back nine on Sunday at the British Open, finishing tied for sixth, and was in with a chance on the last nine holes at the recent US PGA Championship only to finish runner-up to Brooks Koepka.

Speaking ahead of the Northern Trust in New Jersey, Woods said an 80th US Tour title was around the corner.

“I’m close; I have been close to winning tournaments this year,” Woods said. “I think if I keep giving myself opportunities, I’ll get the job done.” A much taller order is overtaking Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 major championship wins, with Woods trailing on 14 having last hoisted a major trophy at the 2008 US Open.

“In order to get to Jack’s record, I have to pass Snead’s record; it’s just simple math and I want to make that happen,” Woods said.

Playing with Woods at the play-offs opener at Ridgewood Country Club is Australia’s Marc Leishman and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood.

It is the third time Leishman has been grouped with Woods this year, having played alongside him during the opening rounds at the Masters at Augusta and Quicken Loans National.