Tiger comes out roaring from the woods

In the most thrilling climax in Johnnie Walker Classic history, world number one Woods rolled home a breaking 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th green, the third time he and Els played the hole today.

"My reaction said it all. Pure adrenaline and excitement," said Woods, who pumped his right arm in a victory salute as his ball disappeared into the cup for the winning shot. "I’ve never done anything like this before as a pro (coming back from such a deficit). This ranks right up there with my other wins."

At the first play-off hole, Els had appeared the man mostlikely. But he narrowly missed an 18-foot birdie putt to win, after which Woods holed from five feet for his par. "That was the biggest putt. It was on the right edge and I hit it there," said Woods.

Playing 11 groups in front of the final pairing of Els and England’s Nick Faldo, Woods snared eight birdies against one bogey to force his way on to the leaderboard. When Woods returned to the clubhouse with an aggregate of 279, nine under par, Els was still in front and had nine holes to play. At least half-a-dozen other players were in contention as the tournament moved into its final nine holes, but one by one they fell by the wayside, wilting in the heat and humidity.

Although Els, who led after each of the first three rounds, failed to find is range, he remained one in front with three holes left. But he three putted the 16th for bogey and dropped another stroke at the 221-yard par-three 17th to give Woods the outright lead.

Going to the 18th, Els knew he needed a birdie to take the tournament into extra holes. And he did just that, striking a pinpoint approach over the flag and making the putt for a round of 73. Alone in third place was South African Retief Goosen with England’s Lee Westwood, Scot Andrew Coltart, German Alexander Cejka and Australian Peter O-Malley tied for fourth on 281.

Atwal finishes 25th

Arjun Atwal displayed steady nerves in firing a 75 to finish the European PGA Tour’s first event of 1998 in 25th place and 7,920 pounds richer.

Tying for 25th place with a 289 total, one over par for the 72 holes of the tournament, Atwal admitted to being a little shaky. He started with a bogey at the second.

He recovered magnificently in the spotlight to shoot an even par 36 on the front nine even as Woods scored a two under 34 on the strength of two birdies on the par 5’s at the sixth and ninth where he hit the green in the two magnificent strokes each time.

Atwal made a further birdie at the par five, 11th while Woods began a run which included birdies at the 10th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 16th. Unfortunately, a pulled seven iron to the tiny island green on the treacherous par three, 14th resulted in a double bogey.