American Tiger Woods insists his game continues to improve on his comeback after he narrowly missed out on a win at the Valspar Championship on Sunday.

The world number 149 played in his fourth tournament of the year last weekend and he showed signs of his best form.

Woods had to settle for a share of second place at the Copperhead Course as he finished alongside Patrick Reed after a one-under 70.

England’s Paul Casey eventually held on after a score of 10-under par, while Spaniard Sergio Garcia finished in fourth on eight-under.

Woods briefly held a share of the lead but just could not get the job done but he was delighted to be in contention just months after having more back surgery.

He told Sky Sports: “It was a very good week. I’ve got a little bit better since the last time I played a couple of weeks ago.

“It was a very difficult week – tough conditions on a tough golf course, very demanding and I thought I held up really well. It (being in contention) felt very comfortable. I remember it and on top of that my game’s sharp, so it was a good day.

“Unfortunately I just didn’t hit the ball close enough to make a few putts. I missed a short one [for par] at four and should have birdied 14; those little mistakes over the course of a week will get you and it got me this week.”

Woods has now moved up to third-favourite for The Masters in April at odds of 11.00.