London, Sept 13: Tiger Woods is content with his performances in 2003, despite ending the year without a major for the first time since 1998. The world number one, whose last grand slam victory came at the U.S. Open 15 months ago, has won four times in 16 starts this season, and is one of six leading contenders for PGA tour player of the year honours.
''If you had asked me at the start of the year if I would be satisfied with four victories, without a doubt the answer would have been yes,'' the 27-year-old American said on his official website.
''I honestly didn't know if I would be able to play during the west coast (California) swing (in January-February) after my off-season knee surgery.
''I knew I could play in pain -- I just didn't know if the knee would hold up. More than anything, I just tried to prepare myself for (the U.S. masters at) Augusta (where he tied for 15th).''
Woods, whose best finish in this year's majors was a tie for fourth at the British Open in July, has played a limited schedule this year following knee surgery last December.
He was out of action for all of January, but then won three times in his first four starts in the United States and believes he is now in the best condition of his life.
''My leg strength and stability are stronger than they have ever been,'' he said. ''I haven't quite hit as many balls (in practice) as I normally would because we're still being conservative with it.''
Bureau Report