Tiger Woods has been slowed down a back injury over the past several months, but the former world no. 1 is optimistic about his chances in the 2014 British Open that is scheduled to start on Thursday.

Woods has only played in one tournament since undergoing back surgery in March, shooting just 74-75 at the Congressional Country Clubs to miss the cut for the Quicken Loans National.

But when asked about his expectations for the upcoming Open Championship, Woods confidently said that he expects a first-place finish, comparing the current situation to the 2008 US Open when he won the tournament despite having little time to prepare due to injuries.

"I didn't play more than nine holes, and the Sunday before the U.S. Open I didn't break 50 for nine holes, and still was able to win it in a playoff with a torn ACL and a broken leg," Woods said via Washington Post. "I've proven I can do it. It's just a matter of putting my game [together] and giving myself the best chances this week."

Woods, who has not won a major title since the 2008 US Open, has participated in practice rounds since arriving in Hoylake on Saturday. The 38-year-old golf superstar admitted that he is still not close to his desired playing shape, but he is confident that he will reach it in time for the crucial part of the British Open.

"Once I started getting stronger, more stable, I could work on my explosiveness, and start getting my speed back. Each and every week I've gotten stronger and faster," Woods said. "Probably not quite at the level that I think I can be at as far as my explosion through the golf ball, but I'm pretty, pretty darn close."

Woods also added that his decision to participate in last month's tournament at the Congressional Country Club turned out to be a good one as he was able to gauge his health, saying that he was able to take his usual shots without feeling any pain in his back.

The 14-time major champion will kick off his campaign on Thursday, 4:04 EST, alongside Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Argentina's Angel Cabrera.

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