NORTON, Massachusetts - Tiger Woods shot a respectable third round at the Deutsche Bank Championship Saturday but will likely go another week without winning.

Tiger Woods of the US hits off the 12th tee during the third round of the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament in Norton, Massachusetts September 5, 2010. [Agencies]

The word number one started the day seven strokes off the lead and while a two-under-par 69 was credible in windy conditions, it was not enough to lift him into contention at the Boston TPC.

Related readings:  Woods' ex went 'through hell'  Tiger Woods and ex-wife speak out  Ex-wife of Tiger Woods breaks silence  Interview: Woods' ex-wife went 'through hell'

"Today was a bit of a struggle," Woods, who has not won this year while going through divorce in the wake of revelations of marriage infidelity, told reporters.

Barring a poor final round, he should be among the 70 players who advance to next week's BMW Championship, the third of four events in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoff series.

"Overall today I think I played better than what my score indicated," added Woods, who posted a seven-under 206 total.

"I had a lot of putts that I didn't make today. I made a couple nice par putts, but boy, I missed a lot of birdie putts. I kept getting double breaking putts.

"I had to really grind and stay committed to what I was doing out there. I did it for the most part.

"Early on I was struggling a little bit, but fixed it, got it, and hit a lot of good shots after that."