Tiger Woods is smarter than you. So don't criticize him when he shoots in the 80s at a professional golf event.

USA TODAY Sports is reporting that Woods is back on his positive groove - but this time with a defiant twist - about the current status of his golf game.

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Despite his now No. 220 world ranking, 16 months removed from the last time he was No. 1, Woods says he remains confidence in the new direction he's taken with his golf swing and game, under the supervision of new swing coach Chris Como.

No matter how much criticism he's received for his recent play.

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"I know what I am doing out here on the golf course," said Woods in advance of his appearance at The Greenbriar Classic this week in White Sulpher Springs, W.Va. He shot 71-69 to miss the cut in 2012 in his only other appearance in The Greenbrier. "I know what it feels like. I know where my game is and what progress I have or haven't made. That's what I'm concerned about. And Chris and I and one my buddies, Rob (McNamara), is always around. We know what's going on and what the baseline has been shifted and where things are currently and where we need to get to in the future."

Outside of the Masters, where Woods shot a more-than-respectable, 5-under 283 for a 17th-place finish, he has been dreadful in his 2015 appearances - or actually when he returned to competitive golf in December, 2014, when he finished in last place at his own Hero World Challenge.

His tie for 69th at The Players' Championship was his next best finish among his six events, and he has missed two cuts. Woods has earned just more than $187,000 this year so far.

When asked whether he can win this week at The Greenbriar, Woods said "Absolutely" before exiting his news conference.