Tiger Woods completed a triumphant return to the PGA Tour on Sunday, firing a four-under-par 68 to take a four-stroke victory at the Buick Invitational in San Diego. The world number one, playing his first tournament since December, finished on 16 under par to take the $810,000 prize on his 2003 season debut.
"I got better each day," Woods said. "It was just a matter of getting back into a rhythm. I haven't hit many money shots lately. Not like this." He said he was delighted with how his fitness held up on his return to competitive action.
"After 27 holes when my leg wasn't sore, I knew it was good sign," said Woods. It was his 35th career PGA title and the first since winning the World Golf Championship event last September in Kilkenny, Ireland.
Woods, who won here in 1999 but finished second to Phil Mickelson in 2000, had five birdies and just one bogey, that coming on the seventh hole.
The superb showing denied Carl Pettersson his first career victory.
The Swedish-born player shot a three-under 69 to finish seconds at 276 in only his second tour event. Woods also finished ahead of playing partner and home favourite Mickelson, who finished six strokes back at 10-under 278.
Woods' best shot of the round at Torrey Pines' difficult South Course was his second on the par four 15th sinking a 15-footer for a birdie.