I’M STILL STANDING Tiger insists he’ll claw his way back to the top

TIGER WOODS has come out fighting ahead of The Open, trashing claims he is finished.

Woods has gone from world No.1 to rock bottom following a shocking slump in form and a series of health problems.

The 14-time Major winner was once on course to overtake Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18. But he has not won a tournament since 2013 and has plummeted to 241st in the world rankings.

His dramatic fall from grace has even led to suggestions he might retire from the game at the age of just 39.

But the American has rubbished the idea and insisted he can become the king of golf once more and even overtake Nicklaus.

game, Woods is now a 33-1 outsider to make it a hat-trick of Claret Jugs at St Andrews this week.

But he insists he is hitting the ball well and can take inspiration from his previous wins at the home of golf in 2000 and 2005.

He said: “I’m very excited to be back here at the home of golf.

“I’ve always loved this golf course, from the first time I played it back in 1995. There’s just something special about it.

“It’s nice to be out there on the course, to see it and feel it again, to be able to hit all the shots.

“I ended up playing well at the Greenbrier Classic recently and hit the ball the best I’ve hit it in probably two years.

“I’m hitting the ball much more solid. I’ve enjoyed the rush. It’s exciting for me to get up there on that first tee knowing that it’s time to go and let’s go and try and beat these guys.

“I’m always nervous. That first tee shot, I’m nervous. I care about what I do and when I’m not nervous is the day I quit.”

Woods, meanwhile, has been in touch with Rory McIlroy to offer him support.

The world No.1 was forced to pull out of defending his Open crown due to an ankle injury picked up playing football with his mates.

Woods added: “We’ve talked a bit about the injury and what happened and some of his options going forward.

“This is a championship that means a lot to him and it’s a little tough to take sometimes, but we all get injured. No one is immune to it.

“I hope he comes back, but also I hope he comes back healthy and ready to go. That’s the most important thing.”