• PGA Tour

Westwood will win a major - Tiger

Tiger Woods has reacted to losing the world No. 1 spot by insisting that Lee Westwood, the man who replaced him at the top, will win a major.

Westwood has come under fire since reaching the summit on Monday because he is yet to lift one of the game's most coveted trophies - despite going close on several occasions.

The Englishman has finished in the top two at two of this year's majors - The Masters and The Open - and Woods believes it is "just a matter of time" before he takes the next step.

"Lee's been by far the most consistent of all the players in the majors over the last two years," Woods told BBC Radio Five Live. "He hasn't won one but he's come so close. It's just a matter of time."

Although Woods has 14 majors to his name, his erratic form this year has led many to question whether he will be able to surpass Jack Nicklaus' record of 18. But the American is adamant that when the confidence returns to his game, he will be able to add to his collection.

"It's the highest benchmark there is," he said. "It took Jack over 20 years...I'm only 34. I have a lot of great years ahead of me. It's a matter of just being confident and getting better."

Before Woods can contemplate a major push, he must come to terms with the rebuilt swing that he is implementing under the guidance of new coach Sean Foley. He admits that the tweaks were always going to yield a barren period, but insists that the changes will be of benefit in the long term.

"I'm rebuilding my game, making a number of different swing changes," he said. "I've done this before. I had lean years with [Woods's former coach] Butch Harmon. I won the Masters in '97, changed my swing - then went from the middle of '97 to the middle of '99 with only one win.

"It's a matter of staying the course, believing in what I'm doing and eventually when it kicks in hopefully I'll win some tournaments."

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