Tiger Woods claims historic 82nd title with Zozo Championship victory

Sacha Pisani

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Tiger Woods claims historic 82nd title with Zozo Championship victory image

Tiger Woods secured a record-equalling 82nd PGA Tour crown after the 15-time major champion won the Zozo Championship in Japan on Monday.

American superstar Woods sealed an historic three-stroke win to draw level with Sam Snead for the most career victories on the PGA Tour.

Woods carded a three-under-par 67 to finish 19 under overall, ahead of Hideki Matsuyama (67) at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

The 43-year-old star underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to repair minor cartilage damage in August, having secured a remarkable Masters success in April — his first major title in almost 11 years.

Woods made a spectacular return from career-threatening back injuries in 2018 by claiming the season-ending Tour Championship and the former World No. 1 continued his rise back to the top of golf.

He returned to complete his final seven holes on Monday after darkness suspended the deciding round at the rain-delayed inaugural Zozo Championship in Chiba on Sunday.

Woods, who posted rounds of 64, 64, and 66 heading into the final 18 holes, carried a three-stroke lead at the start of the day and he maintained that advantage ahead of Matsuyama.

After playing his first 11 holes in two under, Woods returned to shoot a bogey and a birdie at the 12th and 14th, with another birdie at the last capping the Presidents Cup captain's position atop the leaderboard.

Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy (67) earned a share of third place alongside Im Sung-jae (65) at 13 under, two shots ahead of Billy Horschel (70), Corey Conners (70).

Justin Thomas signed off for his third successive round in the 60s — a 65 — to be tied for 16th with the likes of Patrick Reed (68) and Paul Casey (67), with Australian star Jason Day (68) a shot behind.

Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth's final-round 71 saw him finish five over and tied for 66th.

Sacha Pisani