TIGER WOODS HUNTS A BEAR

ROSS Fisher believes Tiger Woods is on the fast-track towards passing Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors - and securing his place as the greatest golfer in history.

The world No 1 took a four-stroke lead into the weekend rounds in the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine - a position from which he has never failed at any Grand Slam.

Golden Bear Nicklaus was 38 when he won the 15th major - the 1978 Open Championship at St Andrews - a feat Woods will beat by five years if he lifts the Wanamaker Trophy today for a record-equalling fifth time.

And he could be on the verge of making history in the next 12 months.

Next year's US Open will be staged at Pebble Beach, where Woods won by FIFTEEN shots in 2000, and the Open Championship returns to St Andrews, where Tiger won by EIGHT over the Old Course in 2000 and FIVE in 2005.

Brit Fisher, who began yesterday's third round joint second, said: "I'm sure Jack's record is going to go soon.

"Tiger's record is phenomenal. He's the greatest golfer I think we've ever seen. But I love the challenge of trying to compete with him because you've got to work hard.

"What better way to test yourself than playing against the best?"

Fisher, 28, has contended in all four of this season's majors.

The man from Ascot finished 30th at the Masters, fifth at the US Open and 13th in the Open at Turnberry, where he led early in the final round.

Of the four British and Irish players to make the cut at all four majors this year - alongside Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell - Fisher has taken the fewest strokes.

And he believes he can even nick a major off Woods.

Fisher said: "There's only one challenge when you face Tiger - you've got to go head-to-head with him.

"I don't know if my game is suited to the majors but I'm certain that if you keep knocking on the door one day it will open."

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