Woods still hopes to surpass Nicklaus
Former world No.1 optimistic of December return, insists competitive spirit remains intact
>> LOS ANGELES: Tiger Woods says he still believes he can beat Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major victories despite the injury layoff that has left him sidelined for more than a year.
The 40-year-old former world No.1 told PBS television’s Charlie Rose programme that he had not given up hope of adding to his 14 major victories.
Woods gave an enigmatic response when first asked whether he felt he could reach Nicklaus’ mark of 18 majors.
“To be honest with you, no,” Woods replied. But asked if he accepted that eventuality, he added: “I’ve accepted I’m going to get more.”
When pressed later on whether he meant he still plans to break Nicklaus’ mark, Woods responded: “Correct.”
Woods has not won a major since his victory at the US Open in 2008, and has not played competitively since the Wyndham Championship in August 2015.
His much trumpeted comeback at the Safeway Open in northern California this month was shelved on the eve of the tournament, fueling fresh fears about his fitness.
However, Woods said he is optimistic he can return in December, insisting that the competitive fires still raged within him.
“I like beating those guys. That’s why I practise all those hours ... is to be ready to take on those guys down the stretch. And do I miss it? Absolutely.
“And to be at my age now, at 40 years old... I’m the first one to admit: I can’t do the things I used to be able to do. Most people can’t at my age, versus when they were younger. I have to find different ways to go about it.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s world No.1 Lydia Ko has “hit the panic button” by sacking her caddie in response to a form slump, high-profile bagman Steve Williams said.
Ko’s Australian caddie Jason Hamilton confirmed this week that he had parted ways with the 19-year-old after almost two years together.
The Korean-born Kiwi’s form has faltered lately and she finished 51st in the Korea LPGA Championship that wrapped up on Sunday.
Fellow New Zealander Williams, who has caddied for Woods, Greg Norman and Adam Scott, said dumping Hamilton looked like a kneejerk reaction.
“It’s very surprising news, this is the first form slump of any kind she’s had, and it’s only a slight form dip,” he said. “It doesn’t seem like a reason to release her caddie. Maybe they’ve hit the panic button a bit early.”