Tiger’s comeback prowl

TIGER Woods was three shots ahead and one round away from capping his comeback season with a moment that has defined his career. Winning.

Woods played the most dynamic golf he has all year yesterday with six birdies in his opening seven holes to build a five-shot lead.

He cooled from there with a few mistakes and had to settle for a 5-under 65 and a threeshot lead over Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose in the Tour Championship.

He had the 54-hole lead for the first time since his last vic- tory in 2013 at the Bridgestone Invitational. He has never lost an official tournament when leading by more than two shots going into the final round, and his closing record with the lead is 42-2 on the PGA Tour.

Woods had never been in better position to show he’s all the way back from four back surgeries that once made him fear he might never play again.

“I’ve gone through a lot this year to get myself to this point, and understanding and fighting my way through it,” Woods said.

“I’m certainly much more equipped than I was in March because of what I’ve gone through.”

Wood was at 12-under 198 and will be paired for the first time in final group with McIlroy on the PGA Tour.

McIlroy birdied two of his last three holes for a 66.

“It’s obviously exciting for the golf tournament. It’s exciting for golf in general that he’s up there,” McIlroy said.

“But for me, all I can do is concentrate on myself. The game is hard enough without looking at other people.”