Johnson seizes World Challenge lead from Woods
Zach Johnson holed out from the fairway for an eagle at the final hole Saturday to seize the lead from Tiger Woods after three rounds of the Chevron World Challenge.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: December 04, 2011 09:30 AM IST
Zach Johnson holed out from the fairway for an eagle at the final hole Saturday to seize the lead from Tiger Woods after three rounds of the Chevron World Challenge.
Former world number one Woods, chasing a first title in more than two years, started the day with a three-shot lead, but had his troubles at wind-whipped Sherwood Country Club in the $5 million tournament he hosts for the benefit of his charitable foundation.
Three of his five bogeys came on par-five holes as Woods posted a one-over par 73 that left him on seven-under 209 - one shot behind 2007 Masters champion Johnson's total of 208.
Johnson, who claimed the last of his seven US PGA Tour victories at Colonial in 2010, seized the lead with a flourish at the final hole, where his seven-iron from 163 yards out hit the green and hopped into the cup for an eagle and a four-under 68.
Johnson's finish erased the sour taste of back-to-back bogeys at 16 and 17.
He had parred his first 10 holes before nabbing an eagle at the par-five 11th, which he followed with birdies at 12 and 13.
South Korea's K.J. Choi carded an even par 72 for sole possession of third place on five-under 211 heading into the final round.
Even though he surrendered the lead, Woods said he was happy with his game. Many of his best shots, he said, ended up in the wrong spot thanks to the deceptive winds swirling on the par-72 course in the rolling hills west of Los Angeles.