Although the world number one failed to make an impact in the first two majors of the year, he has won four times this season in 11 starts, the last of those a wire-to-wire victory at the Western Open outside Chicago this month.

The 27-year-old also has a point to prove at Royal St George's, having clearly been stung by media talk of a 'Tiger slump' since he clinched his last major victory at the U.S. Open 13 months ago.

"I was never in one (a slump)," he said, after tying the course record with a nine-under-par 63 in the Western Open first round.

"If you've been following what I've been saying the last few tournaments I've played in, I'm very close. It's just a matter of the things I'm working on for them to come around. You have to be patient."

But Woods sets exceptionally high standards for himself and knows his form this year has, at times, been inconsistent.

"So far, I guess I've just played well in spurts," he said of his 2003 performances. "When I put it all together, like I did in the Western Open, I'm happy."

STIFF CHALLENGE

However, Woods faces a stiff challenge this week, with several potential winners in the field and the vagaries of a fast-running links course -- with dry weather predicted for the four days -- to contend with.

Defending champion Ernie Els is in prime form, having clinched his fifth title of the year at the Scottish Open in Loch Lomond on Sunday.

"I'm looking for a good week and I've been playing well," said the big-hitting South African. "I feel really good about this week and I'm feeling physically as good as I've ever been."

Els, like most other players in the field, scoffs at suggestions that Woods has been in a slump.

"I think he's still playing at a very high level, it's just that he probably hasn't put everything together at the majors (this year)," the world number two said.

"I think Tiger is playing very well ... I think he's going to try to prove something and have a good week.

"It's nice for once in five years that he hasn't got a grand slam but, saying that, I don't think he's changed much. Other players are getting better but Tiger's still there."

Sergio Garcia is one of the few players who does not rate Woods as the most likely winner, largely based on the American's track record in the tournament.

VICTORY ROMP

Although Woods romped to victory by eight shots in the 2000 British Open at St Andrews, he has tied for 25th and 28th in his last two Open starts.

For Garcia, players like fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal and Britons Colin Montgomerie and Justin Rose have the shot-making skills necessary to shine on a British Open links course.

"They are the guys used to playing in these kind of conditions," said the 23-year-old Garcia, who will play the first two rounds at Royal St George's with Woods.

"I wouldn't rate him (Woods) as the top one on my list on these kinds of courses, but he can definitely play, there's no doubt about that."

While Woods and Els are the most likely contenders, this week's British Open has a more-than-usual 'open' look about it. Royal St George's provides a notoriously tough six-hole finish and the par-71 layout places accuracy at a premium.

Expect, therefore, straight hitters like 1997 winner Justin Leonard, U.S. Masters champion Mike Weir, U.S. Open winner Jim Furyk, 2001 U.S. PGA champion David Toms, and Irishman Padraig Harrington to be in the mix, come Sunday.