Tiger Woods has admitted it could take him the rest of his career at the highest level to break Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 Major victories.
The former world No 1 has not added to his own 14 triumphs since the 2008 US Open having endured injuries and the well-documented problems in his private life since then.
But for those issues, it would surely have been a matter of time before Woods overhauled Nicklaus on the Major winners list.
However, with 16 different golfers having won the last 16 Majors, the 36-year-old is prepared for his quest to last another decade at least.
“I figure it's going to take a career - a long time,” said Woods, a best-priced 12/1 favourite with
William Hill to win a fifth US PGA Championship title at Kiawah Island this week.
“Jack didn't finish his until he was 46, so if you go by that timetable I've got 10 more years. Four more Majors is a lot, but I've plenty of time.”
After a lean few years, Woods has enjoyed a resurgence in form during 2012 but his game has not progressed as far as he would have liked.
He has finished 40th in the Masters, 21st in the US Open and third in the Open and, with three tournament wins, things are certainly looking up again.
“I'm pleased at the way I’ve been able to play at certain times and obviously disappointed I haven’t won," said Woods of his record in the 2012 Majors so far.
“I've played in three Major championships this year and didn't win any of them. That's the goal.
“I was there at the US Open after two days (he was joint leader) and right there with a chance at the British Open.
“Things have progressed, but not winning a Major championship doesn't feel very good.”
