Woods still won more than $7m (�3.6m) for the sixth year in a row

Woods, 28, finished 2004 with two tournament wins but endured a poor season overall and was overtaken as world number one by Fiji's Vijay Singh.

"It's frustrating when you can do it at home but it doesn't carry over into tournaments," said Woods, who has not won a major since the 2002 US Open.

"Last time it took me two years to get it right - it's part of the process."

Former swing coach Butch Harmon accused Woods of being in "denial" over his swing after another poor showing at this year's US Open.

I had to dig deep many times when I just didn't have it Tiger Woods

But Woods said: "I knew it was in there - the key is going out and trusting your swing in competition.

"Just before I went to Japan for the Dunlop Challenge (which Woods won in November), I was hitting balls on the range and it just clicked.

"It wasn't easy. I had to dig deep many times when I just didn't have it and that takes a mental and physical toll on you.

"But you're always learning, tinkering around and trying new things. That's just part of trying to become a better golfer.

"Every player who has played this sport has gone through it. You just take baby steps and play through all that.

"I reaped some rewards at the end of the year for my hard work and that was very satisfying. Hopefully my good play will carry over to 2005."

Despite Woods' 'slump', he still managed to win more than $7m (�3.6m) for the sixth year in a row and finish fourth on the USPGA tour money list.