Woods gets back to winner's circle
Tiger Woods ended a long barren streak by winning his first tournament since 2009 - making birdie at the closing two holes to capture the Chevron World Challenge.The former World Number One was trailing his fellow American Zach Johnson but pulled out a two at the short 17th and then added a three at the last to close out victory.
Woods made a 69 to finish ten under par for the tournament, one ahead of Johnson who carded a 71.
England's Paul Casey, who began the week with a 79, finished third on five under after a third successive round under 70, a 69.
Woods had conceded the overnight lead to Johnson after a third round of 73, but he only trailed by one shot and it remained tight between the pair throughout the closing 18 holes.
But when it mattered most Woods made back-to-back birdies while his playing partner managed just pars, securing the swing he needed to take the title.
Woods came into the week on a positive note having helped the United States to win the Presidents Cup, after also finishing third in the Australian Open last month.
Asked after clinching victory whether it felt like joy, relief or satisfaction, Woods said: "It feels awesome whatever it is."
He was thrilled to make his birdie at the 17th, turning the final hole into a shoot-out between the front-runners.
"I hit two good putts," Woods said.
"(The putt on 17) gives me a chance to win it outright, because if I don't make that putt and come down to 18 it's in Zach's control. If he makes birdie, I can't win.
"So I just wanted to give myself a chance where a birdie could force a play-off, a birdie could still win, or at least have options, and that putt was huge."
Johnson said: "I'm obviously disappointed. He birdies the last two holes and makes two great putts and you just tip your hat."
Return to Man About Golf archives