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Victorious Tiger laments biggest loss

02/10/2006

Tiger Woods has professed that this year has been the worst of his life despite it being one of his most successful on the golf course.

Speaking after his eight-shot victory at the Grove near Watford yesterday, his ninth win of the season, the world number one admitted that no amount of trophies or earnings can detract from the pain he feels at losing his father Earl in May this year.

"When you take into account what's happened off the course it's my worst year," the 30-year-old said. "I consider this year as a loss. Golf does not compare to losing a parent."

He does admit, however, that his success rate has pleased him. "I think if you look at it overall, I've had a pretty good year," he said.

"Eight wins here and one in Dubai; so nine wins, that's a good year. Two majors in there, as well, and a couple World Golf Championships. So overall, the things that I've been working on the past couple of years are finally starting to come together. It's nice to see the fruits of all the hard labour."

Inevitably, questions again arose over Woods' chances of him emulating the late Byron Nelson's PGA Tour record of 11 straight victories set in 1945.

But Woods, whose win yesterday took him to six straight triumphs, responded as he has previously by playing down his chances.

"It's still a long way away," he added. "If you look at it, I'm barely halfway. What he did was absolutely remarkable, and I'm just thrilled that I've been able to win six in a row twice. That to me is a pretty neat accomplishment in itself."

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