Although less than happy to discuss anything relating to his personal life, Woods was at least slightly more communicative when asked for his opinions on how his game is progressing following his return to action.
Woods finished tied for 46th in last weekend's AT&T National in Pennsylvania but feels he is improving.
He said: "I felt I made some good strides last week, I drove it great last week, I just putted terrible and finished way down the board. Something I need to work on is my light putting and there will be a lot of light, long putts at St Andrews."
Woods was also asked for his thoughts on whether two of Britain's top hopes for Open glory, US Open champion Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy, could secure the title in Scotland.
Speaking of McDowell, he said: "Well I think when you win one [Major] it gives you confidence because you know what it takes. It's hard to have that confidence if you haven't.
"He has proven to himself that he can do it. He did all the right things at the right times to win a championship like that."
"There are a lot of people [who can win] including Rory, who has won on our tour. So many young players have the talent and have had a lot of success around the world. It will be a fun test for everybody."
Lee Westwood may not be challenging Woods next week after he admitted he faces a race against time to make it to St Andrews after picking up a calf injury.
The world No3 hobbled through last week's French Open but said at the end the problem had got progressively worse as the tournament went on and so withdrew from the Irish event.
"He's been advised to take complete rest for the rest of the week but is still very hopeful that everything will be fine," said management spokesman Martin Hardy.
"He's been convinced that if everything pans out as expected he will be okay."
The 37-year-old went to hospital last Wednesday for a check-up after an initial scare that he might be suffering from a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis but further tests put his mind at rest on that.
Westwood had planned an early visit to St Andrews later this week, ahead of next Thursday's opening day, but that has now been cancelled.
Last July, he bogeyed the final hole to lose by a shot at Turnberry and was runner-up in The Masters in April.
Americans Rickie Fowler and Jeff Overton have, though, secured places at St Andrews.
The duo get into the field courtesy of their positions as the highest-ranked players, not already exempt, in the world rankings.
Fowler, ranked 37th, will make his Open debut, while Overton (63rd) will be making a third consecutive appearance and finished joint 13th at Turnberry last year.
One Open place has been reserved for the leading player, not already exempt, finishing in the top five at each of the Barclays Scottish Open and the John Deere Classic this week.
The Royal & Ancient have announced that Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Peter Thomson, Tom Weiskopf, Bob Charles and Roberto de Vicenzo will captain the seven teams in the Champions Challenge to be held on the eve of The Open.
Woods features in five-times winner Thomson's team along with Nick Faldo and Mark Calcavecchia.
Trevino will have 1970s playing rival Tony Jacklin as a team-mate plus Padraig Harrington and Paul Lawrie.
"We anticipate a very special occasion," said the organising R&A's director of championships David Hill. "I am sure all supporters of The Open will be excited by the prospect of seeing so many legends of the game."
The four-hole Champions Challenge will be played with the best individual score at each hole counting as the team score. The winners will receive a cheque for £50,000 to be donated to charities of their choice.
