Illinois waltz shows Tiger’s back to his marvellous best
ON THE GREENS WITH
SAM TORRANCE
TIGER WOODS was back to his usual imperious self in Illinois at the weekend, claiming a 71st PGA Tour title by a massive eight shots.
The year 2009 might not have brought any majors for the world No1, but still he describes this as one of his best years yet in terms of consistency. Who could possibly argue?
A fantastic third round 62 set up this latest victory and Tiger was never troubled from thereon in as he cruised back to the top of the Fed-Ex standings.
While Woods closed in on Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record, South Africa’s James Kingston enjoyed only a second win on the European Tour, claiming the Mercedes Masters in Cologne.
At 43, Kingston is the oldest Tour winner of the season, edging out Sweden’s Anders Hansen at the first extra hole of a play-off.
With Ryder Cup points at stake, Europe captain Colin Montgomerie would’ve noted the performance of Simon Dyson in a tie for third, while Chris Wood continued to impress in the opening two rounds, only to fall away at the end.
As for me, I have a big week in store at the Casa Serena in the Czech Republic where victory would go a long way to securing a third Order of Merit victory with two more events left to play.
I’m playing well and feeling confident so am raring to go.