Tiger Woods is struggling to be ready for next week's US Open as he continues his recovery from a knee operation.

Woods had knee surgery almost two months ago but has yet to play a competitive round since the operation.

"It is a matter of now getting the feel of playing again and hopefully all that will come together right come Thursday," he said.

"Hopefully I'll be close to 100%. If not, no big deal. I've won tournaments like that before."

The operation is the third Woods has had on his left knee but he insisted his comeback was progressing smoothly, if slowly.

"I've been around an entire 18, but only as part of a [corporate] outing," said the world number one.

"I've been practising quite a bit. I've just started to play some holes.

"I've been kind of slowly building up towards that. I'm not trying to take it too hard.

"My practice sessions have increased. They have gotten a little bit more intense. I've been out there for longer duration and everything's been holding up well, which is a good sign."

Woods, who won his first tournament back after knee surgery in December 2002, admitted he was eager to return to action as soon as possible.

"It's obviously been a while since I've played competitively and I'm really looking forward to getting out there and mixing it up with the guys," he said.

"I really do miss being in that competitive environment. The atmosphere in general, I do miss it."

The 2008 US Open will take place at Torrey Pines in San Diego from June 12-15.