The 14-time major winner finished the Valspar Championship one stroke behind winner Paul Casey on Sunday, earning him his first top three finish on tour since 2013 and a welcome boost in the world rankings, where he is now 149th. 

This week, Woods turns his attention to the prestigious course at Bay Hill which has been a happy hunting ground for the former world No 1.

Woods has claimed the silverware on no less than eight occasions, most recently in 2013 which was his last time around the Florida course. 

Nonetheless, Woods is remaining realistic ahead of the event.

"Just because I won here eight times, it doesn't mean I'm going to win this week automatically," the 42-year-old told Sky Sports.

"I have still got to do the work. I have still got to go through the process of getting myself in position, but I understand this golf course, I've played it under so many different varying conditions.

"I've got to do some serious homework though and really get to know and get the feel of how this golf course is playing this particular year, considering I haven't played here in five years!"

Woods, who underwent three back surgeries, went on to say that he is still learning what his new body allows him to do and he has not reached peak performance just yet.

"Each and every week I've learned from what I've done and more importantly I'm learning my body," he continued.

"I'm learning how I can swing it and not swing it. My recovery, these are all things that are new. So I'm still learning, I'm getting a lot better at it, which is nice. I think that you're starting to see the fruits of that now, of the little tweaks I've made, and I'm excited about it.

"It (getting back in contention) has been quick but still I have to say just to enjoy all of this because, at one point, that wasn't even a thought."

The 53rd edition of the the Arnold Palmer Invitational tees off at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on Thursday.