“Hit it straight, hit it on the green, and make putts,” he said.

As reporters were slow to pick up on the joke, it was clear Woods was a step ahead of everyone in the room, just as he has been on the PGA Tour since winning his first major at Augusta in 1997.

Twelve years later, Woods is seeking his fifth Masters and 15th major championship in pursuit of Jack Nicklaus, the all-time leader in both categories with six titles at Augusta and 18 majors overall.

“I never would have foreseen myself winning this many championships this soon,” said Woods. “But I’m not saying it’s a bad thing either.”

Woods has time on his side. At age 33, he is ahead of the pace of the Golden Bear, who won his 14th at age 35. June knee surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, threatened to slow Woods’ pursuit. But with a win two weeks ago at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he appears ready to resume his quest.

“It feels like a day at any other major championship. Only difference is it’s been a longer duration between majors for me,” said Woods. “It feels the same. I was surprised at how fast I got the feeling. It came back to me at the [Accenture] Match Play.”

It didn’t take Woods long. After lasting two rounds in the Match Play in early March, Woods tied for ninth at Doral, then won at the Palmer. Ten months removed from his playoff victory over Rocco Mediate in the U.S. Open, Woods believes he is nearly all the way back.

“I played in pieces the last two tournaments like that,” said Woods. “I hit it like I did at Doral, but if I could putt like I did at Bay Hill, put those two together, I would have what I had during [the Open].”

When asked about doubts on playing his first major in 10 months, Woods turned serious and resolute. His only area of uncertainty?

“For me? How the golf course is going to be playing.”

“That’s it?” the reporter asked.

“Mmm,” grunted Woods.