Tiger Woods ties PGA record for most career victories - Los Angeles Times
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Tiger Woods wins Zozo Championship to tie PGA record for most victories

Tiger Woods celebrates after winning the Zozo Championship in Japan on Monday.
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Tiger Woods won the Zozo Championship to tie Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record of 82 victories.

The 43-year-old American played the final seven holes Monday in the rain-hit tournament, completing a three-under-par 67 to beat local favorite Hideki Matsuyama by three strokes at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

“It’s just crazy. It’s a lot,” Woods said. ”I’ve been able to be consistent most of my career. Today was one of those days where I was able to pull it out.”

Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago — his fifth on the same problem joint. He was making his first start in his 23rd season on the PGA Tour.

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“I can still manage my way around the golf course,” Woods said. ”I know how to play. I was able to do that this week.”

The fourth round was suspended because of darkness Sunday, and Woods took a three-stroke lead over Matsuyama into Monday in the first official PGA Tour event in Japan.

Santa Anita had a sixth horse fatality at the track since Sept. 18 when Bye Bye Beautiful, a 2-year-old filly, broke down Sunday and was euthanized.

Oct. 27, 2019

He bogeyed his first hole Monday, the par-four 12th, but was solid the rest of the way with birdies on Nos. 14 and 18 to finish at 19-under 261. Matsuyama also closed with a 67.

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Rory McIlroy, the highest-ranked player in the field, completed his round with two birdies for a 67 to tie for third at 13 under with Sungjae Im. Im had a 65.

Woods opened with consecutive 64s, with a day off in between because of rain. He had a 66 on Sunday in the third round.

“It’s been a long week,” Woods said. ”Five days at the top of the leaderboard is a long time.”

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As the U.S. Presidents Cup captain, Woods was asked about picking himself for the team.

“I think the player got the captain’s attention,” Woods said.

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