Tiger Woods, coming back this week at the Players Championship after a knee injury, said that his ongoing 18-month victory drought has lasted longer than he expected.

Woods practised over the front nine at the TPC Sawgrass layout and will tee off for his first competitive round since last month’s Masters this morning at 8:08 alongside Germany’s Martin Kaymer and American Matt Kuchar.

World No.8 Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, has not won since his infamous sex scandal was revealed in November of 2009.

“There were some down times,” Woods said.

“This one has lasted longer than I would have expected. But you keep on playing, keep working hard and get through it.”

Woods had a setback in that cause when he suffered a sprained left knee ligament and strained left Achilles tendon while playing at the Masters last month. He shared fourth for the second year in a row, matching his best showing since the sex scandal erupted.

“I had to power through and we had to shut it down for a little bit and take care of it,” Woods said.

“Nothing major. Hopefully, it won’t swell this week but if it does that’s why I have ice and soft tissue work.”

Woods has not won the Players Championship since 2001.