It was the day the golfing world had been waiting two years for – a tournament victory heading the way of fallen star Tigers Woods. And for a brief moment during the final round of the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes on Sunday, it looked like history was in the making. After starting the final day six strokes behind the leaders, three birdies over the first nine holes saw Woods make the turn at three under and the charge looked on. He stumbled with two bogeys early on the front nine before reigniting his round when he chipped in for an eagle at the par-five 14th. Wearing his trademark Sunday red, Woods produced a stunning long-iron approach at the par-five 17th but could only manage a birdie to end his chances of earning that first victory in two years. He finished five-under for the day and 11 under for the tournament, settling for third place, two strokes behind winner Greg Chalmers and a shot behind runner-up John Senden. Woods heads to Melbourne for next week&aposs Presidents Cup, still searching for that elusive tournament win two years after his world fell apart so spectacularly. “I had the lead at Augusta on Sunday (in the 2011 US Masters), that was the last time I&aposve been in that spot,” Woods said after carding an impressive 67 in the windy conditions. “It&aposs been a long time and unfortunately I haven&apost played a lot of tournaments in between.” “I had a chance and I kept telling myself I need to post 13, 14 (under) to get it up there and see what happens.” “(If not for) two holes on the back nine today – and I putted awful yesterday – I would have been right there.” Woods held a one-shot lead over the field after two rounds but a horror three-over 75 on Saturday ultimately put paid to his chances. “I was disappointed yesterday and found some of the old keys (on Sunday),” he said. “(They were) simple fixes, easy fixes. I had to reset my game and I hit the ball really good out there.” “Unfortunately I didn&apost post the number I wanted to post.”
Author: Adam Lucius, Sportal