As challenging of a ‘mental tax' as Pinehurst No. 2 will present, Tiger Woods is hoping to fare a little — nay, a lot — better at the 2024 U.S. Open than he did at the first two majors of the PGA Tour season.

“Yeah, I do,” the Tiger responded at his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday when asked if his body is in condition to win a major at arguably the toughest course on the golf calendar. “I feel like I have the strength to be able to do it. It's just a matter of doing it.”

“This golf course is going to test every single aspect of your game, especially mentally, and just the mental discipline that it takes to play this particular golf course, it's going to take a lot.

“We've been working on that and making sure that I understand the game plan and be ready in two more days.

The U.S. Open will mark the 48-year old's fourth official event of 2024. In February, he withdrew from his host tournament, the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, midway through the second round due to illness. He made a record 24th straight cut at the Masters then finished last after the weekend. In April, he missed the cut at the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Pinehurst No. 2 is known for its length, although driving accuracy is considered more important than distance, due to the firm and fast fairways. The “turtleback” greens create minuscule safe landing space, requiring competitors to deliver the goods with their short game.

“We've been always working on fitness,” Tiger said. “I did a little bit of work on chipping and putting. But nothing can simulate what we have here this particular week, the amount of little shots and the knobs and run-offs, and either using wedges or long irons or woods around the greens or even putter. There's so many different shots that you really can't simulate unless you get on the property. That's one of the reasons I came up here last Tuesday, to be able to try and do that. Quite a bit of work. The golf course has firmed up and gotten faster since then. Even this week, even with the rain we had the other night, the golf course is still faster.”

Tiger said the key will be to stay “hydrated” amid the North Carolina summertime humidity.

“It's like home. Hot and humid is what we deal with every single day at home in Florida, so that's nothing new. It's just making sure that I keep hydrated and the mental tax that the heat will bring. It's going to bring it to all of us, not just me. Everyone is going to be tested.

“It's going to make for long rounds with the falloffs and run-offs on the greens. The rounds time-wise are going to be a little bit longer. Then when you're out in the heat for that length and period of time, that's going to take a little bit of wear and tear on you.

“I would rather play in hot, humid conditions any day than anything cold. I think pretty much anyone my age to your age will definitely like it a little hotter.”

Tiger has 15 major championships — three behind Jack Nicklaus. He's tied with Sam Snead with 82 PGA Tour wins. The three-time U.S. Open champion (2000, 2002, 2008) finished in the top five in his two prior starts at Pinehurst No. 2 (1999, 2005).

Tiger, grouped with Will Zalatoris and Matt Fitzpatrick, will tee off on the Hole No. 10 at 7:29 a.m. ET on Thursday.