Tiger Woods had chased Ernie Els many times before – and more often than not, would catch him.
One of his greatest fightbacks was at the 1998 Johnnie Walker Classic at Thailand’s Blue Canyon when he clawed back eight strokes and finally beat the South African in a play-off.
This time it was a bit easier, but equally spectacular, as Woods overcame a four-shot deficit to win the Dubai Desert Classic by a single stroke, though overnight leader Els had faded by the time Tiger edged closer to the title.
The world number one sank a 25-foot birdie on the final hole to finish with seven-under-par 65 for a total of 14-under 274 and earn a victory over Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who had a fourth round of 66.
Els settled for a tie of third place after closing with 71 to finish two strokes behind the winner.
It was Woods’ second victory of the year and maintained his 100 per cent record in 2008, having recorded a convincing triumph at the Buick Invitational last month.
Woods is clearly enjoying one of his best starts to a season, as was quoted by AP as saying:
“To go two-for-two, it’s a pretty good start, isn’t it?. I’m just happy to get a win out of this. You play to win. So far, I’ve done that this year.â€
It was Woods’ 72nd victory overall, with 62 of those coming on the PGA Tour. He has won seven of his past eight tournaments and, if he continues his hot form, has a great chance of edging closer to Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major tournament victories. Woods already has 13.
Watch Miguel Angel Jiménez make a hole in one during the first round at the par 3 7th with a 6-iron.
While Woods stole the show on the European Tour, there was also a tournament going on back on his own patch, the PGA Tour.
Woods’ rival Phil Mickelson was in the thick of things at the FBR Open in Arizona but it was J.B. Holmes who took the glory in a play-off.
Holmes and Mickelson finished on 14-under 270 but Holmes sank an eight-foot birdie on the first play-off hole, the 18th, to win the tournament for the second time.
His first triumph, and his only other PGA Tour victory, was as a rookie in 2006.
Holmes earlier had a 13-foot putt to force a play-off and then dominated the 18th again to prevent Mickelson from winning his third FBR title.
Hi Bob,
Many thanks for your comment.
Two for Two simply means Woods has won two events from his first two events in 2008.
Cheers
Andy
Tell me, please, what does “Two for Two” mean? Sorry to display such ignorance but it sounds like two aces on the first two holes.
Thanks,
Bob Gray.