Woods falters before winning world title
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After pulling out of this week's Dubai Desert Classic, Tiger Woods went on to win the Accenture World Matchplay for the first time by beating David Toms by 2 and 1 at La Costa. But it certainly was not the easiest $1,050,000 (£675,000) the world No 1 has ever earned.
For both finalists it was an exhausting week, involving seven rounds and, for Toms, a night in hospital with food poisoning. It looked as if the former USPGA champion was the first to lose steam as Woods went to lunch in the 36-hole final four-up. Tiger then birdied the first in the afternoon to extend that lead but Toms, as he had done all week, refused to give up.
He birdied the next two holes and then Woods slipped from the dizzying standards he has set for much of the week. Having had two bogeys in his first six rounds, Tiger made three in the afternoon, those at the eighth and ninth to lose the holes.
Toms twice got back to one-down, but drove poorly at the 17th and could not reach the green in three. Woods got up and down from a bunker. "I didn't hit it great and I definitely didn't putt well but it was a tough day for both of us," Woods said.
Woods was due to head the field at the European Tour event in the United Arab Emirates, along with the defending champion and world No 2, Ernie Els. The South African decided on Friday to travel to the Middle East where he will be joined by half the European Ryder Cup team.
Despite some withdrawals, including Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo, organisers have had no problem in filling the 150-man field. Neither Woods nor Els was due to play in the Qatar Masters in Doha on 13-16 March. Despite Foreign Office advice against "non-essential" travel to Qatar that event is also due to go ahead.
Woods first played in the Gulf two years ago when he was runner-up in the Dubai Classic, losing at the 72nd hole to Thomas Bjorn. Reputedly on an appearance fee of about $2.5m, Woods agreed to play in the tournament next year.
"Although I originally intended to play this week, I have reluctantly decided to postpone my appearance until next year," Woods said in a statement. "The organisers have been extremely cooperative and supportive and I appreciate their understanding. They offered tremendous support and security for this proposed trip however, for the foreseeable future, I felt it would be prudent to avoid international travel."
With the military build-up in the Gulf ahead of a possible war with Iraq, Woods was always a doubtful starter for the Dubai event, particularly given his high profile as a US superstar.
WORLD MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP (Carlsbad, Calif): Semi-finals (US unless stated, prefix denotes seeding): T Woods (US) bt A Scott (Aus) at 19th; D Toms (US) bt P Lonard (Aus) 1 hole. Third-place: Scott bt Lonard 1 hole. Final: Woods bt Toms 2 and 1.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments