I’m hungry to extend wins record: Tiger
TIGER Woods has no plans to quit golf after equalling Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour wins with victory at the Zozo Championship.
Woods completed a final-round 67 in Japan to finish three shots ahead of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama at Narashino Country Club.
Snead’s final tour success came at the age of 52, while Woods has reached the milestone aged 43 and seems destined to hold the record in his own right provided his body holds up.
“Unfortunately I went through some rough patches with my back and didn’t play for a number of years, so that record seemed like it was out of reach,” said Woods. “It’s about consistency and doing it for a long period of time. Sam did it into his 50s and I’m in my early to mid-40s.
“As far as playing until 52, I hope that’s the case. If you would have asked me a few years ago I would have given you a different answer, but the future looks brighter than it has and hopefully I can be as consistent as he was into my 40s and early-50s.”
Woods finished his final round yesterday in a rain-affected event, finishing 19-under in his first tournament since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago.
It was the latest in a long list of operations for the 15-time Major winner.
While Woods admits he is unable to do many of the things he could early on in his career, he thinks his course management is the key to him rediscovering the winning thread.
“Physically, I can’t do any of the things I used to do, but I can think my way around the course,” said Woods.
“I don’t hit the ball anywhere near as far, compared to the field. I can still manage my way around, I know how to play and was able do that.”
Woods is USA captain for the Presidents Cup in December and will make his picks next week.
Asked if he might now select himself after victory in Japan, he replied: “I think the player definitely got the captain’s attention.”
Big lift: Tiger Woods shows off the Zozo Championship trophy after securing his record-equalling 82nd PGA Tour victory