06 July,2009 08:34 AM IST | | AFP
Tournament host Tiger Woods sank a tension-packed 20-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole to seize the lead for good and won the PGA National by one stroke over Hunter Mahan yesterday. World No 1 Woods added two routine pars to fire a three-under par 67 final round to stand on 13-under par 267 after 72 holes at Congressional Country Club and claim the trophy at his six million-dollar tournament.
The event, a dream of Woods and his late father Earl, pays tribute to the US military and proceeds benefit his foundation's youth work. "It's really incredible," Woods said.
"This is a dream that I had - having an event so we could spread the word on what we're trying to do for kids and the military and it has come together in three years," Woods said. Woods, who won for the 46th time in 49 US PGA events when leading after 54 holes, won his 68th career crown and third title of the year after Bay Hill and Memorial, which also came two weeks before a Major. Mahan matched the course record of eight-under 62 set in Thursday's opening round by fellow American Anthony Kim to seize the clubhouse lead on 268 with Tiger still on the prowl and stalking Hunter across the back nine.
"I rolled in some putts," Mahan said. "The first three days were a little ugly. I swung great all week but today the putting was great. I'm just really proud of the way I finished."
