Tiger Woods says he would rather quit than be mediocre

By Simon Evans

ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Tiger Woods said on Wednesday he would rather quit golf than become mediocre and that he would know when to call it a day.

The world number one has enjoyed an outstanding run of recent form, winning seven tournaments in succession worldwide before finishing two shots behind winner Geoff Ogilvy at Monday's WGC-CA Championship in Miami.

Although retirement was not on the horizon for Woods, he told Reuters in an interview he had worked out his exit plan.

"For me it is very simple, it is when my best isn't good enough any more," said the 32-year-old. "I could not live with myself going out and practicing and preparing as hard as I do and knowing that if I go out and play my best someone is just going to beat me.

"But that happens, your skills diminish, guys get better, they are more athletic. You have your time in the sun, there is nothing wrong in walking away from it.

"I have accomplished so much in the sport already and hopefully I can continue to do that for as long as I possibly can but when that time comes, well, every athlete knows when that happens," added the 13-times major winner.

Woods, who is chasing Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major triumphs, said he would find it tough to carry on competing when he was not at his best.

"I am trying to prolong it, that early exit," he said. "One of the great things about our sport is you can play as long as you want.