No extra pressure for Woods on putting for $11.35 million

Tiger Woods walks off the first tee during the fourth round of the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament in Norton, Massachusetts September 7, 2009.

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Tiger Woods could face a putt on the 72nd hole of this week's Tour Championship with $11.35 million on the line but he says he would feel no added pressure because of the money.

While most professionals would be forgiven for succumbing to a bout of nerves, the American world number one is renowned for his ability to close out unwanted distractions.

"I kind of get into the moment of playing," Woods told reporters on the eve of Thursday's opening round at East Lake Golf Club.

"I get into my own little world and my own little zone, and I think that's how I've always played. My intensity just allows me to kind of go there."

Woods is one of five players in the elite field of 30 who can clinch the lucrative FedExCup, along with the $10 million bonus, by winning the fourth and final event of the PGA Tour's playoff series.

Should victory and a cheque for $1.35 million come down to a nerve-jangling putt on the 18th green in Sunday's final round, the game's leading player would grasp the opportunity as he always has done.

"When I had that putt last year at the U.S. Open to get into a playoff, it was all about starting the ball on that line and making that putt," Woods said.

In the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, he had to sink a 15-foot birdie putt at the last to join fellow American Rocco Mediate in a playoff which he won after 19 holes.

TAKING CARE

"All the other stuff takes care of itself," Woods added. "It's nothing else but starting that ball on that line with the correct speed; that's it.

"When you're inside the ropes, you don't look at it (the money) like that. You look at where do I place the ball and beat these guys."

Woods is bidding for his seventh PGA Tour victory of the year at East Lake where he won the 2007 title with a tournament record total of 23-under 257.

Although he failed to add a 15th major crown to his glittering resume this season, he still regards his campaign as one to treasure.

"Major championships are the biggest events and unfortunately I didn't win any of the four," the 33-year-old said. "But it's certainly been one of the most consistent seasons I've ever had."

In 15 strokeplay appearances on the 2009 PGA Tour, Woods has triumphed seven times while posting 13 top-10 finishes.

"I think that's a pretty good season," said the American who was sidelined for eight months from June last year after having reconstructive knee surgery.

"Most of my victories came at some of the more difficult golf courses and more of the top players played in some of the tournaments I played in."

Woods is scheduled to tee off at 2:05 p.m. local time with compatriot Steve Stricker in Thursday's opening round.

(Editing by Justin Palmer)