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Tiger Woods - Source: Reuters -
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Tiger Woods came from four strokes behind to win the Memorial
tournament by a shot on Monday, sealing his 67th PGA Tour victory
with a dramatic birdie-birdie finish.
Helped by one of the best driving displays of his career, the world
number one rammed in a nine-footer at the 17th before hitting an
exquisite approach to 14 inches at the par-four last.
He tapped in the putt for his seventh birdie of the day and a
seven-under-par 65 at Muirfield Village Golf Club before removing
his cap to acknowledge the roars from the crowd.
Woods won the tournament for a record fourth time with a 12-under
total of 276, finishing ahead of fellow American Jim Furyk who
rolled in a 22-foot birdie putt at the 18th for a 69.
"That was unbelievable," tournament host Jack Nicklaus said to
Woods as he shook hands with the 14-times major champion on the
edge of the 18th green.
American Jonathan Byrd, who held a two-shot lead with six holes to
play, battled over the tough closing stretch to card a 72 and share
third place at eight under with compatriot Mark Wilson.
Tour veteran Davis Love III was a further two strokes back after
closing with a 73, level with Americans Matt Kuchar (71) and
co-leader overnight Matt Bettencourt (75).
Seven starts
Woods, sidelined for the second half of last year while recovering
from reconstructive knee surgery, was delighted to win his second
PGA Tour title this season in just seven starts.
"It was just about being patient," the 33-year-old told reporters
after shooting the lowest round of the day.
"It was a matter of time because I was able to start practising
after rounds again, and I had only been doing that for a couple of
tournaments. I knew it was coming around."
Woods hit a perfect 14 of 14 fairways in Sunday's final round,
arguably the best teebox performance of his career on one of the
PGA Tour's toughest courses.
"The driving this week was nice," he said after starting the last
round four shots off the pace. "It was coming. It was just a matter
of time. I finally put it together this week."
