Worldwide Golf

TIGER Woods carded a sensational 7-under 65 to come from four strokes back overnight to win the Memorial Tournament by one shot from Jim Furyk.

“I knew I could do this,” said Woods after birdies on the final two holes gave him the victory. “I was close to winning, but the game wasn’t quite there when I really needed it on Sunday. I rectified that.”

Woods, who started the day in a share of seventh place, posted a clubhouse lead of two shots on 12-under par and Furyk – the only player out on the course with a realistic chance of catching Woods – could not match Woods’ birdie-birdie finish to tie the World No.1.

Furyk did close with a birdie to finish outright second, three shots clear of Jonathan Byrd and Mark Wilson in joint third place.

“I felt comfortable hitting it left-to-right, right-to-left,” said Woods. “I didn’t have a problem taking the ball up in the air or bringing it down. That’s what I was looking for. That’s what I was able to do at home in my practice sessions, and now it’s just a matter of carrying it out here onto a tournament venue and doing it.”

Woods, who hit 14 fairways out of 14 on the final day, was in imperious form and Furyk paid tribute to his efforts. “I think he answered a lot of questions today,” said Furyk who carded his best result on The PGA TOUR so far this season. “I played well today,” he continued, “I hit the ball really well and I hit a lot of good putts – I’m actually proud of the way I played.”