Improving Woods surges into Western Open contention

LEMONT, Illinois, July 9 (Reuters) Tiger Woods is making up for lost time at this week's Western Open, working long hours to recapture his swing ahead of the British Open at Hoylake later this month.

The world number one, playing only his second event since the US Masters in April after taking time off following the death of his father Earl, practised for a combined five and a half hours after his opening two rounds.

''You've got to put in the hours,'' Woods told reporters after posting five birdies, two bogeys and an eagle in his third-round 66 that lifted him within three shots of leader Vijay Singh heading into today's final round.

''It's just a matter of doing the reps properly and enough times where it gets more engrained and you feel comfortable, and I can carry forth with it the next day.'' The 30-year-old Woods, trying to lose the sour taste of missing the cut at last month's U.S. Open, seemed to enjoy his round on a warm, overcast day in the Chicago suburbs, playing alongside former PGA champion Rich Beem.

''Playing with Beemer is always fun, it really is,'' Woods said.

''We always needle each other all the time.'' Beem said he never doubted Woods would find his form.

''He's the best in the world,'' Beem said. ''I think he enjoys being the best in the world. I think he loves going out there and proving not only to himself but to everybody else that he's the best in the world, week in and week out.'' Woods said his extra work with coach Hank Haney is paying off.

''I've logged in some time with Hank this week and I'm starting to see some results with my (ball) flight and the feeling I get through the golf ball. It's nice to see some results. It's nice to feel I've made some progress.'' Woods said he is not yet looking to the British Open.

''Right now I'm trying to get a 'W','' Woods said about going after a fourth Western Open title. ''I've always felt that the best way to prepare for any major championship is to go in there with a good, positive feeling.'' REUTERS PDS RAI0507