Woods rates 2007 close behind his golden 2000

THOUSAND OAKS, California: Tiger Woods rates his 2007 season almost on a par with his annus mirabilis in 2000, which is widely regarded as one of the best years in golfing history.

The American world No 1 racked up seven victories on the 2007 PGA Tour, including his 13th major title at the PGA Championship in August.

He also enjoyed a golden campaign in 2000, winning the last three majors of the season along with eight other tournaments worldwide.

"I think this year was very close to doing that," Woods told a news conference on Tuesday during preparations for this week's Target World Challenge. "I was just four shots away.

"I had a great chance to win three of the four majors this year. I finished second in two of them and was just a few shots away from basically doing what I did in 2000.

"If I get those done, people would probably be comparing it (this season) to 2000, if not better."

Woods, named PGA Tour Player of the Year on Tuesday for the ninth time, tied for second at the Masters before again finishing runner-up at the US Open.

"I didn't capitalize on my opportunities, like at Augusta I did not finish the last two holes well," he said, referring to Augusta National, the permanent venue for the Masters.

"I bogeyed 17 and 18 both Friday and Saturday. You can't do that and expect to win a major championship."

Red-hot run

Woods triumphed four times in his last five starts on the 2007 PGA Tour, a red-hot run he rates equal to any he has produced in terms of ball-striking and consistency.

"There's no doubt it was right up there," the 31-year-old said. "I really felt like I had control of the golf ball.

"Granted, I did have some bad days in there but I managed to shoot 70 or 69 on those bad days through course management or proper misses. I didn't shoot myself out of any event."

Woods was delighted to earn the PGA Tour honor for the third consecutive season, and ninth time in the last 11 years.

"It's been a great year overall and to get the wins and the respect of your peers, that's always what you want to have happen," he said, having piled up record winnings of $10,867,052 on the PGA Tour.

"It was a fantastic year on the golf course, and even better off the golf course."

Woods became a father for the first time when his Swedish wife Elin gave birth to Sam Alexis in June.

He has spent the last two months mainly at home with his young family, having not played competitive golf since the Presidents Cup in late September.

"It's been incredible to see how fast they change, how fast they grow," he said of his five-month-old daughter. "You appreciate the little things and I think that's the most important thing."

Agencies

(China Daily 12/13/2007 page23)