Houston: Former world number Greg Norman knows a thing or two about what it takes to reach the top and he believes Tiger Woods is the best pressure putter of all time. "Tiger Woods is the best clutch putter I've ever seen," Australian Norman, 54, told reporters on the eve of Thursday's opening round of the Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club.

"I think he and (Jack) Nicklaus are equal inside six feet. Outside nine feet, Woods is by far the best you've ever seen play the game."

Norman, one of the most charismatic players in the game, believes Woods was a better ball striker in 2000 and 2001 when he won an unprecedented four consecutive majors.

"His ball striking is not as good now but his mind is better and his putting is better," the Australian said. "His putting now (added) to his ball striking in 2000, he would win every golf tournament by four, five or six shots."

Current world number one Woods, a winner of 14 major titles, trails only fellow American Nicklaus (18) in the all-time standings.

He has long targeted golf's 'Holy Grail' of 19 majors or more and has twice remodelled his swing to become a better and more consistent player.

After clinching his 14th major at last year's U.S. Open, Woods had reconstructive knee surgery and was sidelined from the game for eight months while recovering.