Dubai: The 2008 Dubai Desert Classic champion Tiger Woods was eyeing a score of 30 on the back nine holes, but ended with a 31, just enough to give him a second crown here after a one-year gap.
"I think that was a fantastic back nine that I played. It was a fluctuating round for sure. I was 3-under through four, but I dropped shots on the sixth and the ninth, and all of a sudden I was from being in the mix to all of a sudden out of the mix," Woods recounted.
But the world's most recognised face kept his faith and the focus telling his caddie [Steve Williams] that he would need a score of 30 on the back nine to be in with a chance for a playoff. "I shot 31, and that just happened to be good enough," Woods smiled.
Also, his exciting putt on the 18th hole made a big difference.
"Yeah, I just kept telling myself just roll the ball down there and just don't leave yourself a second putt, but just don't let it run by the hole.
Anxious wait
"It straightened out at the end, I thought I was going to lose it low and it straightened out and went right in the middle," Woods stated.
Dubai was the second win for Woods in as many tournaments for this season. Last week, he cruised to an 8-shot victory at the Buick Open with a solid 71 to close out the tournament in San Diego. "I like seven or eight or more as it's a lot less stressful," Woods joked.
With two wins after as many tournaments, Woods does not want to send out any message.
"I'm happy about just winning two tournaments. I broke my driver on Wednesday and I had a tough time controlling the back-up. So I am just happy to get out a win somehow," Woods said with a smile.
Factfile
- This is Woods' 34th European Tour International Schedule victory in his 80th European Tour event.
- Becomes only the second player, following Ernie Els [1994, 2002 and 2005] to record multiple Dubai Desert Classic titles.
- The Dubai Desert Classic is the ninth different European Tour International Schedule event he has recorded multiple victories in.
- His four shot final round winning comeback is the largest in Dubai Desert Classic history, beating the three shots of Jose Maria Olazabal in 1998 and Robert-Jan Derksen in 2003.
