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Woods: I accomplished my goal

12/08/2007

Tiger Woods was delighted with his round of 69 on the third day at Southern Hills as he stretched his lead over the rest of the field to three shots heading into the final round.

Woods has won every major in which he has led the pack ahead of the fourth round.

The 31-year-old, who has won 12 Major titles, said he had learnt not to chase high scores and was aiming to simply consolidate his record-equalling round from Friday.

He said: "My goal was to shoot under par and increase my lead. And I was able to do that. I only made one bogey, which was good, and really kept myself out of trouble, so, positive day all around.

"You play what the golf course gives you. And one thing I have learned about playing over the years is not to go against that."

It seems as if Woods' reputation precedes him as many of the players feel the gap is too large to bridge and Woods' record of front-running is too strong for them to have a chance on the final day.

Okalahoma, native, Scott Verplank said: "If you are trying to win a tournament like this, he is the wrong guy to let get out ahead of you."

South African Ernie Els refuses to give up the challenge that easily, though from six shots behind Woods he faces an uphill task.

"The statistics will tell you, yes, it is over. But as a competitor, I cannot sit there and tell you it is over. I cannot ever do that," said Els.

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