Masters champion Tiger Woods insists he is concentrating his comeback on one tournament at a time and has no designs on becoming the dominating figure he was in his pomp.

A 15th major – and first for 11 years – was secured at Augusta in an emotional return to golf's premier winner's circle after several back surgeries had put the 43-year-old's career in doubt.

But, while Woods is back on the trail of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, he was keen to stress he has not given any thought to re-establishing the grip he held over the game for a decade.

"Whether I'm dominant or not going forward, that remains to be seen," he told a press conference ahead of this week's US PGA Championship.

"What I know is I need to give myself the best chance to win the events that I play in, and sometimes that can be taking a little bit more breaks here and there and making sure that I am ready to go and being able to give it my best at those events."

Woods is still managing the physical demands top-level golf places on his body and for that reason he has not competed since winning his fifth green jacket a month ago.

He has taken advice from former Denver Broncos two-time Super Bowl-winning quarter-back Peyton Manning, whose career was almost ended after undergoing four operations on his neck.

"Getting there and making the team is going to be the tough part. How many events do I play, do I add a couple more to get in?

"I just know that if I play well in the big events like I did this year, it will take care of itself."

Woods refused to comment on a wrongful death lawsuit which has been filed against him, girlfriend Erica Herman and his Florida restaurant after former employee Nicholas Immesberger was killed in a car crash.

"Well, we're all very sad that Nick passed away. It was a terrible night, a terrible ending, and we feel bad for him and his entire family. It's very sad," said Woods.

The tournament suffered its second withdrawal as – after Justin Thomas pulled out with a wrist injury on Monday – a back problem forced VJ Singh to be replaced by 25-year-old JT Poston.

John Daly's knee problem has afforded him special dispensation to use a buggy this week, leaving Woods less-than-impressed.

"As far as JD taking a cart...well I walked with a broken leg," he said in reference to the final round of his US Open victory in 2008 after which he was ruled out for the rest of the season.