Woods wins 7th consecutive PGA Tour event in San Diego
SAN DIEGO — Tiger Woods couldn't ignore the comments from fans who filled every inch of grass lining every fairway as they watched history repeat itself — and perhaps history in the making — at the Buick Invitational.
"It seemed like everyone was yelling out, 'Seven"' he said. "It was a pretty common theme out there today, basically all week."
The buzz at the Buick Invitational came from Woods' pursuit of his seventh straight PGA Tour victory, which he accomplished by closing with a 6-under 66 to win by two shots over Charles Howell III.
He now owns the second-longest winning streak in PGA Tour history, trailing the 11 in a row that Byron Nelson won in 1945.
"As far as how special seven is, you're in elite company," Woods said. "There's only one person ahead of you. He's one of the greatest legends in the history of the game. To be in company like with Mr. Nelson ... it's pretty special."
It was his third straight title at Torrey Pines, this one a combination of three key holes and help from three PGA Tour rookies. Brandt Snedeker was so nervous that he had trouble eating breakfast and soon fell out of a share of the lead. Andrew Buckle of Australia fell apart with a double bogey on No. 12, and Jeff Quinney took double bogey from the bunker on the 14th.
Woods, meanwhile, joined the chase with a 3-wood that soared 276 yards to within 25 feet for eagle on No. 9. He took his first lead with a 65-foot eagle putt that curled around the back of the cup on the 13th and stopped inches away. And when Howell challenged him late, Woods answered with a 9-iron into 2Z\x feet for birdie on No. 17 that gave him a cushion.
"It ain't easy beating that guy," Howell said, a runner-up for the ninth time since his lone PGA Tour victory in 2002.
It was the second time in his career that Woods came to Torrey Pines with a chance to stretch his tour winning streak to seven, both streaks carrying an asterisk because they happened over two seasons and were interrupted by losses in overseas events.
Phil Mickelson stopped the streak in 2000. There wasn't enough experience (three rookies) or victories (Howell) to stop his march on a cool Sunday afternoon.
Where does Woods go from here?
He left Sunday night for the Middle East, where he is the defending champion in the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour. Uncertain is when he returns to the PGA Tour to resume his improbable pursuit of Nelson's record that many thought was untouchable. Woods said he would either play the Nissan Open at Riviera on Feb. 15 or a week later at the Accenture Match Play Championship.
The longer he plays, Woods is linked to several streaks.
He already surpassed Nelson's mark of consecutive cuts by making 142 in a row until getting sent home from the Byron Nelson Championship — how appropriate — in 2005. He is the only player to win four straight professional majors (and Woods is halfway home to repeating that) through the '01 Masters.
And now he's at seven and counting — with no sign that anyone can stop him.
"You can't compare four in a row in majors. That's what we play for," Woods said. "As far as the cut streak, I think that goes to show you consistency and heart. As far as seven in a row, it's pretty elite company to be mentioned in the breath of Mr. Nelson."
Some other numbers also proved staggering.
It was his 55th career victory as Woods begins his 11th full season on the PGA Tour. It was the third tournament he has won at least five times (the other two were World Golf Championships), and it was the fourth tournament he has won at least three straight years, joining Bay Hill, Memorial and Firestone.
Woods also won in his season debut for the fifth time in 11 years.
He rallied from seven shots down on the weekend, and both victories required plenty of work. The South Course will host the U.S. Open next year, and Woods' closing 66 was the best score on the South all week.
"I'm very lucky to be on top," he said.
Buckle played with tremendous poise for a 24-year-old rookie, especially after watching Woods make eagle on the ninth. He dropped a cigarette from his mouth and stomped it out, then swung full on a flop shot over the bunker to 6 feet for birdie to restore his lead.
