Woods baffled by form

Woods insists defeat hurts

Tiger Woods has admitted he is still struggling with the inconsistencies that have plagued his game this year.

"One week it's driving, one week it's iron play, one week I don't putt well," he told the New York Times.

"A lot of different things have been going on this year with me, no doubt about that," he said in the aftermath of Europe's latest Ryder Cup victory.

"Usually, I take refuge inside the ropes when I'm playing, but it hasn't been easy."

Woods has won only one tournament this year, the Accenture World Match Play, and he said his lack of victories had been particularly frustrating.

Tiger's slump explained

"What's been most disappointing is that I've had so many chances to win, and I haven't been able to do it," he said.

He said America's Ryder Cup disappointment had left him physically and emotionally drained.

I still feel if I play my very best golf, I'm a very tough man to beat Tiger Woods

"I'm definitely tired - it took a lot out of me."

The world number two pinpointed his opening foursomes loss as the factor that gave the Europeans their early momentum.

Playing partner Phil Mickelson's wayward drive on the 18th handed Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood victory after the US pair had been three up at one stage.

"It really hurt to lose that match," said Woods, whose record at the event now reads just seven wins from 20 matches.

"To be up early like that, and then to lose on the last hole really fired them up. But Europe deserve congratulations. They played beautifully."

Academy: What's wrong with Tiger's swing?

Despite his problems, Woods insisted his confidence had not been shaken by seeing Fiji's Vijay Singh take over as world number one.

"Even when I was a kid playing amateur golf, I've always felt I could win any tournament I played," he said.

"That hasn't changed - I still feel if I play my very best golf, I'm a very tough man to beat."