Palmer praises dedication of Woods

Arnold Palmer is not surprised to see Tiger Woods dominating world golf and says anything his fellow Florida resident accomplishes is merely what he deserves.

"It doesn't surprise me to see anything that he has done," Palmer, 71, said on Wednesday at the opening of the Tournament Players Club at River's Bend, a course he designed north of Cincinnati.

"I think Tiger is more dedicated to what he's doing than anyone playing golf," added the 71-year-old who, like Woods, also lives in Orlando.

Woods, 25, won his fifth tournament in six worldwide starts in Dublin, Ohio last Sunday when he registered a seven-stroke victory over Sergio Garcia and Paul Azinger in the Memorial Tournament.

The victory was the world number one's third straight in the Memorial and he also became the first player since Tom Watson to win at least four U.S. PGA Tour events in three consecutive seasons.

Woods, the current holder of all four major titles, will be seeking his fifth straight major next week at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma when he defends his U.S. Open crown.

If he wins it will be Woods's seventh major triumph, equalling Palmer's total.

Asked if Woods was the overwhelming favourite at Southern Hills, Palmer -- who won the 1960 U.S. Open -- replied: "Absolutely".

"When he first came along, even before he turned professional, when he was still at Stanford, I talked to him and I got to understand Tiger a little bit.

"I certainly don't know him as well as some people, but I saw what his work ethic was, what he is doing to make happen what is happening.

"There's not a question in my mind that he is totally devoted to what he is doing. That's from every aspect, from his mental qualities to his physical qualities and to his work ethic.

"He does all his workouts, he practises diligently. You might see him at home at night hitting golf balls, or at dawn hitting golf balls. He is very alert.

"I am not amazed because he has put in the time to get to this level," said Palmer.