Temper control a work in progress for Woods

Tiger Woods of the U.S. pauses on the practice green during a practice day for the 2009 PGA Championship golf tournament at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, August 12, 2009.

CHASKA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Tiger Woods prides himself on being able to control every aspect of his game, apart from an occasional loose tongue.

The 14-times major champion is the most visible player of his generation on television and fans have often seen him cursing or slamming clubs after hitting a poor shot.

"It is what it is," world number one Woods told reporters while preparing for Thursday's opening round of the U.S. PGA Championship at Hazeltine National.

"Unfortunately I do make mistakes and I hit bad shots and I say bad things at times. I don't mean to, it just comes out. It's not something I try and do. It just happens.

"Have I been trying to get better at that? Yeah, my entire life," said the American, who won his 70th PGA Tour title at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Sunday.

"But it happens from time to time and I'm not the only person that does it."

Although Woods is yet to clinch a major title this year, he was in upbeat mood for his Hazeltine bid after winning the last two PGA Tour events.

GOOD STRIDES

"I feel as if I have made some pretty good strides since the British Open," he said, referring to his missed cut at Turnberry, Scotland last month.

"I think it was evident the way I was hitting the golf ball last week. I really hit it good and hopefully I can improve on that and carry that over into this week."

Winning at least one major title a year has always been the yardstick for success in the eyes of Woods but this season he is prepared to relax his goal.

He was sidelined for eight months following knee surgery after claiming the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines and has surprised himself by landing five PGA Tour victories since his return to the circuit in late February.

"I don't think any of us would have thought I could have won this many events this year," said Woods, who has clinched the PGA Championship four times. "It's been a great year either way.

"To win, and not only win but be as consistent as I've been the entire year coming back, that's one of the things I'm probably the most proud of."

Woods will tee off with defending champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland and 2002 winner Rich Beem of the U.S. at 0835 local time (1335 GMT) Thursday.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)