Woods wins the target world challenge

TIGER Woods shrugged off three bogeys and an early challenge by Jim Furyk to win the Target World Challenge by seven shots.

Six ahead of the pack overnight, the world No.1 fired a four-under-par 68 at Sherwood Country Club to claim his eighth victory of the year in the elite 16-man tournament he hosts.

Woods, who stretched his lead to seven strokes after two holes before it was trimmed to two by playing partner Furyk over a cut-and-thrust outward nine, posted a 22-under total of 266.

World No.3 Furyk, who piled the pressure on Woods with five birdies in the first eight holes, double-bogeyed the par-three 15th on his way to a 71 and third place at 13 under, two behind Masters champion Zach Johnson (68).

Reuters

Golf News: Target World Challenge Day 3 Wrap

Tiger Woods, hunting his eighth victory of the year, overcame two early bogeys to stretch his lead to six shots in the Target World Challenge third round on Saturday.

Four ahead of the pack overnight, the world number one fired a five-under-par 67 at Sherwood Country Club for an 18-under total of 198.

Although not matching his blistering form of Friday when he set a course-record 62, he carded seven birdies in pursuit of his fourth title in the tournament he hosts.

Playing partner Jim Furyk, three off the pace for much of the day, slipped back with a double-bogey at the par-three 15th on his way to a 69 and second place.

Masters champion Zach Johnson also carded a 69 to lie third at 11 under, one ahead of Swede Henrik Stenson who fired a best-of-the-day 65...

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Golf News: Target World Challenge Day 2

Tiger Woods has shrugged off any hint of rust after a two-and-a-half month break to charge four shots clear in the Target World Challenge second round.

Hunting his eighth victory of the year, the world number one fired a sparkling 10-under-par 62 to equal the course record at Sherwood Country Club.

That gave Woods a 13-under total of 131 and ideally placed to win his fourth title in the elite 16-man tournament which he has hosted since 2000.

"I hit some good shots but I made some bombs out there," Woods told reporters after holing an eight-foot birdie putt at the last.

"The only difference today was I made some good putts," he added, referring to his double-bogey on the final hole in the opening round.

"I didn't throw away a good round like yesterday. I am very pleased with the way I hit the golf ball today."

World number three Jim Furyk birdied the last two holes for a 67 to lie second, one ahead of fellow American Zach Johnson who also carded a 67.

British Open champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland (67) was a further two strokes back at six under in fourth place.

Preview - Target World Challenge (golf)

The Target World Challenge is upon us this week and not too many will be betting against Tiger to take out his 8th title of the year. In an interview this week Tiger said that he has been working on his fitness and is eager to return to golf, which is a dangerous sign for the 15 other players!

I love this tournement because proceeds from the event go to Tiger Woods Foundation projects and the Tiger Woods Learning Centre in Anaheim. However, it is a pity that this tournament clashes with the Australian Open so no Aussies will be having a crack at the title, but it should be a great tournament anyway.

The field for the tournament it: Woods, Furyk, Steve Stricker, Harrington, Vijay Singh, Johnson, Luke Donald, Rory Sabbatini, Henrik Stenson, Niclas Fasth, Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Brett Wetterich, Mark Calcavecchia, Colin Montgomerie and Fred Couples.

Prize Money

• First prize of $1.35 million.
• The overall purse is $5.75 million

My Tip
One word - Tiger!