USA, June 19: World number one Tiger Woods gets straight back to business after a disappointing US Open at the Buick Classic which starts on Thursday. The 27-year-old is targeting the "Buick Slam" in New York after winning last year's Buick Open and the 1999 Buick Invitational. Despite events at Olympia Fields being less than a week ago, five of the world's top 10 have entered the field at Westchester Country Club. US Open champion Jim Furyk is full of confidence after storming to his first Major but Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and David Toms will all be challenging. Woods has shrugged off talk that he has hit a slump and prefers to view his performances as a steady return to form after his knee surgery.

The world number one's appearance at the Buick is only the second time since his operation last December that he has played back-to-back tournaments. Defending champion of the Classic, Chris Smith has backed Woods to do well in New York and was quick to dismiss talk of Tiger's demise.

"I can't help but laugh at it", Smith said. "The guy has won three times this year and his record speaks for itself. I wish I could slump like that.

"The media expects Woods to win every week and nobody can do that". Smith has also been dogged by an injury this season and has missed seven of the past 11 cuts.

Bureau Report