TIGERWOODS is ignoring any doubts about his fitness for the Open next week, even though he used a buggy to get around in both rounds of JP McManus Pro-Am.

Woods, 46, stated that it was a sensible precaution because he didn’t want to take any chances just over a week before he plays at St Andrews.

He also revealed that he would continue his preparations for this 150th Open by playing some top links courses in Ireland - but refused the name to avoid enticing fans!

Woods was not seen in action since he quit the USPGA at Southern Hills in May.

He said that he felt much better after playing 36 holes at Adare Manor, near Limerick.

Woods stated that he felt stronger after the Southern Hills incident a few months back, but that using the buggy was still a sensible choice. Let's keep my feet as dry as possible until I have to.

"I train as hard as possible every day and I'm doing more reps than I have in a while. However, I do prefer to ride in a cart when it is available.

"I don’t want to push it too much with such a large tournament coming up. "I'd rather save my legs for next weeks!"

Woods opted to skip the US Open last month because he didn't want to risk his chances of playing in an Open that was "steeped with history".

He said, "The original plan was to play in the US Open. However, I am unable to physically do that." My leg issues put me in danger and that would have made the Open impossible. There's no reason to.

"This is an historic Open that we will be playing. I am fortunate enough to have been part of past champions who won there and would love to play again.

Jack Nicklaus said that your career isn't complete until you win an Open Championship at The Home of Golf. I believe he is correct.

"And I don’t know when they will ever go back to St Andrews, while I can still play at a very high level – and I want to be in a position to give it at least one more try at a very high level.

"I don’t know how many years this window of opportunity will remain open for me. I don't know. All of my surgeons would have told me that last year, they didn't think I would play golf again.

"But here I was, having played two Major Championships this year, and another one just around the corner.

"I will always play golf, regardless of whether this leg is mine or another person's, or false legs, or any other body parts that have been removed or fused. I'll still be able play.

"If you mean to play at a championship level then that window is certainly not as long as it should be.

Woods acknowledges that he was fortunate to be alive after suffering terrible injuries in a car accident last February. He was also lucky to not have to have his right leg amputated when it was broken and crushed.

He said, "Whatever it took to get here has been definitely worth it." It was hard. It's been hard. There have been some really difficult days.

"I am very grateful for all the support I have received, my treatment staff and all my surgeons who are repairing my leg and keeping it.

"So, I still have my two legs. I tell you, it's not something I take for granted.

"Some people do. People who have lost a limb or come close to me understand. There are good days and bad days. But things have changed.

They are wonderful days that I can share with my children and do things they can do. I may have to go at a slower pace but it is still fun. As I mentioned, I can still play golf.