Tiger Hangs on to Six Shot Lead to Win the 2013 Farmers Insurance Open

It seemed like 2008 all over again with Tiger having to wait until Monday to complete his win at Torrey Pines.  Although in 2008, it was the 2008 U.S. Open where Tiger notched his 14^th career major.

Woods was fortunate to have a comfortable lead on Monday as he began a sloppy performance, hitting almost no fairways, going out of bounds on one occasion  and being forced to take a drop more then once.  Tiger eventually finished with a final-round 72 and a four-round total of 14-under 274.  Brandt Snedeker and Josh Teater tied for second at 10-under 278, while Jimmy Walker and Nick Watney both finished at nine-under 279 for the tournament.

With an eight-shot, 18-under lead going into his last five holes, Tiger began to slip, going 4 over par on the next 3 holes.  He followed a bogey at 15 with a double-bogey on 16 and and yet another on 17.  Tiger did however finally pull it together, parring the 18th and locking his 8th Torrey Pines win with a par at the 18th.  In the end, his 6 shot lead going into Monday’s round was enough of a cushion to launch Tiger to a remarkable 75th victory PGA TOUR victory, leaving him only seven behind Sam Snead’s record 82 wins.

Although this Farmers Insurance Open win has many shouting that “Tiger is back,” Woods’ game certainly was shaky on Monday during the conclusion of his final round.  Citing frustration with slow play for his lack of focus, Tiger hooked his tee shot on the par-5 9^th into a fenced area next to a temporary tent, but he managed to wrap a perfect fade shot around a tree to save par.

Regardless of the little hiccup he experienced on holes 15 through 18, this victory gives Tiger a win in his first 2013 PGA TOUR tournament, and tells us there could be plenty more where that came from.  Watch out for Tiger Woods in 2013.

All images courtesy of Brandon Magnus Photography