A new caddie, recently recovered injuries and a rebuilt golf swing is a lot to get used to, let alone when you're trying to win a major, but Tiger seems more confident than ever.

"I expect a 'w'. Want me to elaborate? A nice 'w'," he said, using his code for a win.

"My feel is starting to come back. I've been away from the game for a while, but I'm starting to get the feel of hitting shots and how far the ball is going."

But there's no escaping the fact that the American, placed at number 30 in the rankings, has not won anything since 2009. And now he's been overtaken as a favourite to win this weeks' tournament by Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.

Just a year ago this would have been unthinkable, but it does leave the field wide open for the numerous other talented players on the course this week to take the title.

"There's a lot of guys capable of winning," said McIlroy, who won his first major in June at the US Open.

"At this point in time, it seems that (other) people are breaking through and winning majors. I think it's great for the game of golf, I really do."

The 22 year-old could potentially join Gene Sarazen as one of the youngest players to win two majors if he comes out on top on Sunday - and he's confident that he can.

"I feel very comfortable in this country and playing on the types of golf courses over here. I also get a great response from the crowds - I feel the reception I get is like an American player."