World number one Tiger Woods birdied the fourth play-off hole to edge out Kaname Yokoo, successfully defending his Dunlop Phoenix Tournament title.The win gave the American his seventh title of the year.Woods enjoyed a one-shot lead over compatriot Jim Furyk, going into the final round of the tournament on Sunday. He was looking to go one better than the two recent runner-up finishes he achieved at the Tour Championship and the HSBC Champions last week in China. Inconsistent roundWhat the world number one hadn't accounted for was a charge by local golfer Yokoo. Woods didn't produce his best golf and had an inconsistent round, on his way to a two over par 72. That saw the multiple major winner finish the tournament on eight under par.Furyk's challenge faded away after he carded a three over par 73, but Yokoo upstaged his two illustrious opponents with a 69. The Japanese golfer produced a strong finish and birdied the 16th and 18th holes to also close on eight under par and force a play-off with Woods. Nasty injuryWoods saved par on the first play-off hole but twisted his left ankle on his tee shot - an injury which may keep him out of the PGA Grand Slam in Hawaii this week. The American limped through the remaining play-off holes - but the champion golfer still made birdies on each of them. On the fourth play-off hole, Woods reached the green at the par-5 18th in two shots and then two-putted for birdie. Yokoo needed to make a 12 foot birdie putt to keep the play-off alive, but missed to hand Woods the title. That ensured a successful title defence for the Tiger, who won last year's event by eight strokes. (AP)
Woods wins Dunlop Phoenix tournament
Advertisement