Tiger Woods has been voted Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time in his career. Woods polled 260 points to finish ahead of NFL player LaDainian Tomlinson on 230 and tennis world number-one Roger Federer who was third. The win capped a stellar year for Woods who won eight PGA titles including two majors, the British Open and US PGA Championship. However, despite his impressive year Woods says he was surprised that his close friend Federer did not win the award. The Swiss tennis star won twelve titles in 2006, including three of the four majors, and finished the year with a 92-5 win loss record. Second placed Tomlinson this year broke the all-time NFL touchdown record in just thirteen games, scoring 31 times for the San Diego Chargers. Sports editors voting on the award no doubt paid close attention to the fact Woods&apos victories came during a difficult time in the golfer&aposs personal life when his father, Earl, passed away. But despite his impressive results, Woods describes the year as a loss due to the death of his father and long-time mentor.