Furyk holds off Woods for first win since 2003
By Nancy Armour
Associated Press
LEMONT, Ill. — Given another chance to close out a win, Jim Furyk wasn't about to blow it. Not even with Tiger Woods closing in on him.
Brian Kersey • Associated Press
Determined not to come up short as he'd done three times already this year, Furyk answered Woods' charge with three straight birdies and hung on to win the Western Open yesterday.
Caleigh Lynn Furyk, 3, runs toward her father Jim after he captured the Western Open by two shots.
It was his 10th career win on the PGA Tour, but first since the 2003 Buick Open.
"You take the combination of last week, surgery and not winning since surgery, you put all that together and it was an emotional win," said Furyk, who missed half of last year after having wrist surgery.
After tapping in at 18, Furyk turned and pumped his fists to the cheering crowd.
"I'm trying to say that I'm healthy, I'm fit and I feel like my game is as good as it's ever been," Furyk said.
He shot a 2-under 69, finishing the tournament at 14-under 270.
Woods (66) was two strokes back at 272, though he did become the first player in tour history to go over the $50 million mark for career earnings.
"I'm really disappointed, but not overly disappointed," Woods said.
