Tiger Woods says qualifying for the Rio Olympics 'very important'

Tiger Woods said that qualifying for the Rio Olympic Games is "very important" as golf prepares to return to the Olympic fold after a 112-year absence.

However, the world's most famous golfer has to work hard to gain the ticket.

Woods, who has won 14 major titles, has slipped to 125th in the world rankings following a succession of injuries and poor performances. There are 60 places in the men's Rio 2016 golf tournament up for grabs, but each country or region is limited to four entries, if those players are in the top 15, or two entries if outside the top 15.

The United States currently has eight players in the world's top 15, and there are 53 U.S. golfers currently ranked above Woods, but with qualification not closing until July 2016, the former world no.1 believes he still has a good chance.

When asked about the Olympic Games ahead of The Players Championship, which begins in Florida on Thursday, Woods said, "it's very important. Guys want to solidify themselves, play for not only their country, but also have a chance to do something that hasn't been done in a very long time: win a medal in golf."

Woods said he will play more tournaments in order to have a chance representing his country at the Olympic Games.

"Making my way up from where I'm at is going to take consistency, and I need wins," he said. "It's something that I've done when I've made my comebacks before." Endi