Tiger Woods sounded optimistic Tuesday about his game, health and chances in the upcoming PGA Championship. Woods answered questions at a press conference days before the last major of the year is set to start Thursday. Woods’ play has improved since he ran into personal problems in 20089. He also experienced a string of health problems which had some fans question his future in golf.

Woods said his physical game is way different than it was last year.

“I think I’ve progressed this year over my last couple years and I’m very pleased at what I’ve done,” he told reporters gathered at Kiawah Island, South Carolina.  ”Being healthy and being able to play and practice properly…its nice to be able to do things that I know I can do.”

Woods has won three PGA tour events this year but told reporters he’s been both encouraged and discouraged by his play in the last two majors. Woods last major victory came in 2008′s U.S. Open.

“Not winning a major championship doesn’t feel very good,” he said.

Fans have watched Woods chase the 18 major tournament titles of Jack Nicklaus but when asked about it, Woods gave himself 10 years.

“I figure it’s going to take a career,” Woods said.  ”It’s going to take a long time. Jack didn’t finish his until he was 46, so if you go by that timetable, I’ve got 10 more years.  Four more majors is a lot.  I’ve got plenty of time.”

Though he’s giving himself some time to catch Nicklaus, Woods has said majors are the most fun events to play in and he just loves to be there.

“To me it’s a chance to make history, to go out the next day and win a tournament. You’re part of history.  So that to me is exciting,” he said.  ”Is there pressure? Absolutely, that’s the fun of it.  It’s fun feeling those nerves, it’s fun feeling that adrenaline. That to me that is a joy and one of the reasons I bust my tail and practice, to put myself there, because I just love it.” Woods said.