Tiger awes Aussies in big win

MELBOURNE, Australia – Tiger Woods gave a record crowd at Kingston Heath what they wanted to see – exquisite shots and a closing round of 4-under 68 to win the Australian Masters on Sunday for his seventh victory of the year.

In his first trip to Australia in 11 years, Woods put on quite a show for his $3 million appearance fee.

Woods pulled away from a three-way tie for the lead with three birdies on his opening six holes, then seized control with a tee shot to a back pin on the par-3 15th that covered the flag and stopped 6 feet away.

He wound up with a two-shot victory over Greg Chalmers, who simply couldn’t keep up along the back nine.

Woods has won 82 times around the world and in 13 countries at official tournaments. It was his first victory in Australia, where the government estimates its return on paying half of the appearance fee was some $20 million.

The crowd approached 25,000 all four days, giving Kingston Heath the look and the energy of a major championship. Woods slipped on a jacket for winning this Masters – gold, not green – and wrapped up his two-week international swing with a familiar outcome.

Asked what his legacy would be in Australia, Woods smiled and said, “I got a W.”

“That was the goal this week,” said Woods, who finished at 14-under 274. “I’m very thankful to have a chance to play in front of great people and put together some good rounds.”            (AP)