Tiger Woods is the overwhelming favorite to win his eighth title of the year at the Target World Challenge but wary of a Sherwood Country Club layout where danger lurks on virtually every hole.
"You can make some mistakes out there pretty quickly and pay a price for it," the world No 1 told reporters after stretching his overnight lead to six strokes with a five-under-par 67 in Saturday's third round.
"I can only take care of my responsibility, go out there and play. Hopefully, a clean round of golf and not give any shots back, not let these guys back in the tournament.
"I still need to go out there, make a couple of birdies and stay away from any mistakes."
Woods has not lost a tournament since turning professional in 1996 when leading by more than a stroke after 54 holes.
On the PGA Tour, the 13-time major champion has triumphed 41 times out of 44 when holding at least a share of the lead going into the final round.
Four ahead of the pack overnight, the world No 1 fired a five-under-par 67 at Sherwood Country Club for an 18-under total of 198.
Although not matching his blistering form of Friday when he set a course-record 62, he carded seven birdies in pursuit of his fourth title in the elite 16-man tournament he hosts.
Playing-partner Jim Furyk, three off the pace for much of the day, slipped back with a double-bogey at the par-three 15th on his way to a 69 and second place.
Masters champion Zach Johnson also carded a 69 to lie third at 11 under, one ahead of Swede Henrik Stenson who fired a best-of-the-day 65.
"I didn't hit the golf ball as well as I did yesterday but I made some nice putts and up-and-downs," Woods told reporters after signing off with an eight-foot birdie putt at the last.
"Overall, it was a nice day to kind of get through it and actually increase the lead. Rounds like yesterday are so much easier on you. Today I had to focus, had to make sure I missed it in the correct spots."
Fast-starting Woods, playing his first tournament since the Presidents Cup in September, birdied the first two holes on a second successive day of calm weather.
Furyk lies second after carding a 69 and fellow American Johnson is a further stroke back in third at 11 under, also after a 69.
Source: China Daily/Agencies
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article