Focused Woods sets his sights on third successive Open title

The world No1 has now left the baby and wife Elin at home to try to achieve a third successive Open title at Carnoustie this weekend.

And while others have speculated on the impact fatherhood might have on his career Woods himself commented: "I don't see how it can be a negative."

The 31-year-old, with 12 majors already only six short of Jack Nicklaus' record, was told of his wife going into hospital before the final round of the US Open at Oakmont.

He went on to finish joint second behind Angel Cabrera - his second runners-up finish in majors this season - and stated: "It was harder than normal to stay focused all day, but you have to do it.

"You just have to concentrate and give it all you've got. The doctors and Elin said there was nothing I could do, so just go and win. I couldn't quite do it, though."

Sam Alexis was born the following morning and he was there in time.

Interestingly, Nicklaus won all his majors after becoming a father.

Woods finished sixth on his return to action two weeks ago and has been targeting the Open ever since - in between changing nappies, of course.

"I feel good about my preparations so far. There's one more day to go, but I like my swing and my short game and if I continue doing what I'm doing I've just got to carry it into the tournament."

Woods paid tribute to Seve Ballesteros, who announced his retirement yesterday.

"Seve has probably been the most creative player that's ever played. I've never seen a better short game and I've been lucky enough to pick his brains. Just phenomenal.

"He was a genius. It was just unfortunate that his back acted up. We are certainly going to miss him."