[Golf] Woods’ Win Streak Hits 5 at Palmer Invitational

The ball was 7.6 meters away from the hole on a downward and slice course. Magically, however, the ball rolled five meters down and curved to the right, then disappeared into the hole.

Tiger Woods has provided many unforgettable scenes, but showed his excitement this time. He ripped off his cap and threw it on the green in joy after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida.

Woods was tied for the lead until the 17th hole on the tournament’s final day. His birdie in the 18th beat Bart Bryant by one stroke, as Woods finished with a score of 10-under 270.

The golf phenom extended his winning streak to seven tournaments, including four this season and his fifth straight on the PGA Tour. He tied for third place with Ben Hogan in career PGA victories with 64. Hogan was 46 when he set the mark but Woods is only 33. Woods now trails only Jack Nicklaus (73 PGA wins), and Sam Smith (82 wins).

Golf great Palmer (62 wins), whom the tournament is named after, pat Woods on the back of the neck after the winning putt. Woods had won the event between 2000 and 2003, and his latest title is his fifth in the tournament. He earned 1,044,000 dollars in prize money.

“I kept telling myself, `I’ve done this before. I did it against Phil,” Woods said, referring to his dramatic one-stroke win in the 2001 tourney over Phil Mickelson.

Bryant, who was expecting overtime, said. "He has an incredible way of pulling off the shot or the putt when he needs to. He’s done it before. He’ll do it again."

Korean golfer K.J. Choi said, “I think Woods, who has strong mental power and the best skills, is likely to break Byron Nelson’s record of 11 straight wins once he plays on his favorite course and tournaments.”

kjs0123@donga.com