Tiger Woods has admitted that he does not yet feel ready for his comeback in next week’s final major.

The player feels that he would really benefit from an extra week but time has beaten him on this occasion.

Wood’s finished joint 37th out of 76 at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron – his first tournament back after 12 weeks out with knee and Achilles tendon injuries.

“I had it in spurts,” he said after hitting three birdies in his final round.

“I hit it really well and then I’d lose it and get it back.

“I’m still struggling with my alignment and trusting the fact that the ball doesn’t shape as much as it used to.

“But I’m absolutely encouraged. You have to understand I haven’t played.

“At home playing money games with my buddies is just not quite the same.”

When asked if another tournament before the USPGA Championship in Atlanta would have helped, Woods replied: “It would be nice, but I’ve got three days, so I’m going to worry about them, apply it accordingly and be ready come Thursday.”