PO’IPU — If the PGA decides to move the Grand Slam somewhere else next year, Tiger Woods might have an objection; the world’s best golfer won his sixth Slam at the Po’ipu Bay Golf Course yesterday in convincing fashion with a 13-under-par.
“I feel comfortable here. Play enough times at a course and you’ll do good,” Woods said.
Woods also finished just three shots back of Ernie Els in 1997, but starting in ’98, Woods rang off five straight wins at the PGA Grand Slam, including a tie for the 36-hole record with Phil Mickelson (127).
Mickelson tallied the second best score of 6-under par, Michael Campbell shot a 1-under-par and Vijay Singh followed up at evenpar.
Woods, who didn’t get off to a hot start on Tuesday, caught fire at the start on Wednesday and increased his first day lead to four shots over Mickelson. Woods’ uphill 55 foot putt for eagle on the sixth hole put a rare smile on his face, which was provoked by the candid gallery.
But the Slam clincher came at the 11th hole, as Woods gained three shots on Mickelson, after Lefty’s double bogey and Woods’ birdie.
Even when Mickelson crept closer, Woods scurried away, with the 13th hole being the best example, as Tiger answered Mickelson’s birdie with one of his own for a six shot lead with just four holes to go.
Woods continued to flourish, as he did back in his five-year Slam reign, with an eagle on the 14th hole for a seven shot lead on Mickelson.
After that, Woods put his game on cruise control for the rest of the way.
“I think this is a wonderful place. I always enjoy coming here and most holes suit my eyes,” Woods said.
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf still hasn’t made a decision as to where the event will be played next year, but Woods wouldn’t mind it staying put.
“I don’t see any reason why they should move it. It’s a great place. It’s usually around Thanksgiving, so families come down and it’s great for the fans,” Woods said.
Woods’ sixth title in this event is surely a record that might never be broken, but it’s not the first time he’s won six tournaments at a single event.
“Yeah, once. Jr. Worlds, but that’s a different age bracket,” Woods said.
