World No 1 Jason Day says he has no intention of risking his long-term health in the pursuit of golfing perfection.
The 29-year-old Australian has experienced his fair share of injuries during the past year and, since September's Tour Championship, has only contested a single tournament.
He admits he may have over-stretched himself in the past as he chased his dream of becoming one of world's top golfers.
During the last 24 months, Day has won eight times, including the 2015 PGA Championship and tees-up at this week's Farmers Insurance Open in California.
Looking at his career going forward, Day stressed that developing a healthy work-life balance is important. He also revealed he had spoken to Tiger Woods, who has struggled with injuries himself in recent years, about the risks of suffering long-term problems.
He said: "I was talking to Tiger about this the other day. I want to be successful, but I don't want to be walking around with a cane when I'm 40.
"There's nothing like having your health and being able to jump up in the morning and not have a care in the world.
"There has to be a bit of give and take, a balance. Hitting it longer is good, which means you have a shorter approach for many holes.
"But if I'm going, the way I'm going, then I don't even know if I'll make it to 40."
Day has been paired with 14-time major winner Woods and Dustin Johnson in California, in what will be only his second start in 17 weeks.
He contested the SBS Tournament of Champions at Kapalua in Hawaii in early January but still believes he is ready to do battle in San Diego this week.
Looking ahead to Torrey Pines, where he won two years ago, Day added: "I didn't practically touch a club for three months but got some good solid practice ahead of Kapalua.
"I feel like my touch is coming back. At Kapalua I focused more on my technique but I had a terrible putting week. So it's about re-training the brain.
"I've just had eight straight days of hard work and gym, and I feel mentally and physically ready to go."