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Woods continues his assault on Nicklaus' record of 18 majors
2006-08-21
Tiger Woods' latest win streak is evoking memories of his dominating run between 1999 and 2001 and casting a looming shadow on Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 career majors. Woods edged closer to Nicklaus' record by notching his 12th major as he blitzed the field at the 88th PGA Championship here on Sunday. The five-stroke victory over Shaun Micheel at Medinah Country Club vaulted him past the legendary Walter Hagen (11) for second on the career major championship list. He clearly has Nicklaus in his sights but Woods chose his words carefully when asked about it. "It is still a ways away," said Woods, who has won four of the last eight majors. "It is not something I can get next year. "These are the most fun events to play in. To me, the ultimate rush in our sport is on that back nine on Sunday with a chance to win a major." Woods finished Sunday at 18-under par 270, just one shot back of the record 19-under he scored at the 2000 British Open. The 30-year-old Woods won eight major championships by 2002 and recently became the youngest player to win 50 PGA tournaments, surpassing Nicklaus who reached 50 at age 33. Since finishing tied for third in the 2006 Masters when his father was seriously ill and missing the cut at the US Open after his death, Woods has been on a roll. He has been playing "special golf" having won his last three tournaments, including the British Open at Hoylake. "This week, it's been some of my best golf in the PGA," Woods said. "I like the way things are right now." Woods posted an emotional victory at last month's British Open, his first win since his father died of cancer in May. Asked to compare this stretch to years gone by, Woods said: "It makes me feel old. "I have made a bunch of strides since I played here (PGA Championship) in 1999. "I have a better understanding of getting myself around the golf course and how to control things and all the different shots I've learned since then. "I have a better understanding of how to get more out of my round and how to handle my emotions. "I have a better understanding of my mechanics and putting stroke. I have been through a lot. "I feel like things are pretty darn good right now." Woods showed once again he is unbeatable when he has a lead going into the final round of a major. He is now 12-for-12 when tied or holding the lead after 54 holes of a major. He has an average score of 68.25 in the final round of majors he has won compared to his playing partners' average of 72.91. All this makes the awarding of the 2006 Player of the Year honours a formality. The other players are running out of superlatives to describe Woods' game right now. "He's really on top of it right now," Mike Weir said. "He's about a gazillion under par for his last three tournaments." Woods made a measured march to the final round at Medinah, relying on his five-wood off the tees and masterful putting on the greens to post rounds of 69-68-65-68. He dismisses opponents with a cold precision and asked Sunday if he ever felt sorry for his competitors, Woods deadpanned, "No." Chris DiMarco says players get psyched out just thinking about facing Woods head-to-head. "You would think going into the first tee that he would feel the pressure because everybody is expecting him to win," DiMarco said. "The guy playing with him feels the most pressure. It is very intimidating."
Woosnam hints at likely European fourball pairings (2006-09-19)Wie ready to steal center stage at Mystic Rock (2006-09-12)Woods continues his assault on Nicklaus' record of 18 majors (2006-08-21)Tiger getting better with experience (2006-08-21)More birdies sighted at PGA Championship (2006-08-19)
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