Tiger Woods said he feels "blessed" to be back in contention for the Claret Jug after fearing his time playing golf in Scotland was over.

The American superstar makes his British Open comeback this weekend after enduring an ongoing injury battle since his last appearance at golf's oldest major in 2015.

Woods, who has been paired with Scot Russel Knox and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama for the opening rounds of action, admitted his injury turmoil left him to question whether he'd ever have the chance to add to his three Open wins on Scottish shores.

He said: "There were definitely points in time I certainly never thought I'd play in this championship again.

"Watching it on TV is great, but it's even better in person.

"I remember how it feels to come down the last hole with a chance to win it.

"Knowing I may never have that opportunity again, there were some times in there when I just didn't feel very good.

"But now to have the opportunity to come back to Carnoustie to play here in Scotland again, I've said this before throughout this year, it's been a blessing.

"There were some times when I didn't feel I'd be able to do this again and, low and behold, here I am, playing my third major of the year."

Woods' comeback is a remarkable one given that 12 months ago he was unable to swing a club following spinal fusion surgery.

The 42-year-old, however, insists he is ready to go and getting better with every passing round of golf as he readjusts to competition.

He added: "Each tournament I keep coming back I keep feeling better because I'm starting to play some golf again.

"My feels are much better than at the beginning of the year and I feel I have a much better understanding of my game, my body and my swing.

"Everything has gotten just a little bit better, I've put myself up there in contention at times, I just need to play some cleaner golf and who knows."