Jack Nicklaus hailed one of the greatest shots he’s seen after watching Tiger Woods match his tally of all-time US PGA Tour victories with win No.73.
It was vintage Tiger.
Just as the Nicklaus-hosted Memorial tournament looked to be sliding towards a ho-hum finish, Woods ignited with birdies on three of the last four holes to snatch the title on Sunday.
He joins Nicklaus in second place on the tour’s all-time wins list – nine behind Sam Snead’s record tally of 82 – after shooting a five-under 67 to finish at nine-under and win by two strokes from Rory Sabbatini and Andres Romero.
Although he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year it’s been a long while since the 14-time major champion won a tournament in this fashion.
The indelible highlight of his late charge came when the now five-time Memorial champion holed an incredible chip shot for birdie from 50 feet out of thick rough on Muirfield Village’s 16th hole.
With a horrible lie above the hole and a super slick downhill green before a water hazard, Woods flopped the ball to perfection and watched it disappear into the cup, causing delirium amongst the fans.
The 36-year-old roared as loud as the gallery and produced the trademark uppercut reserved for his most special accomplishments.
“That was the most unbelievable gutsy shot I’ve ever seen,” said Nicklaus.
“If he is short the tournament is over, if he’s long the tournament is over and he put it in the hole.
“I’ve seen a lot of shots in golf. I don’t think I’ve seen a better one.”
Woods, who moves up to world No.4 following the triumph, admitted it was a nerve-wracking shot.
“It was one of the hardest ones I’ve pulled off. It came out just perfect,” he said.
“The shot was really difficult. I went for it. I pulled it off.
“It just fell in. I didn’t think it was going to get there at one point.”
Woods is now heading into the US Open at the Olympic club in San Francisco next week with plenty of momentum as he attempts to close the gap to Nicklaus’ record tally of 18 majors.
But he relished the achievement of tying Nicklaus’ tour win mark at his event.
“It’s awfully special to have won this event and tie Jack at 73 wins at such a young age, it feels really special,” said 36-year-old Woods.
“I’m excited about the Open because of the way I hit the golf ball this week.
“At Olympic we’re all going to have to hit the ball great.
” That golf course, you can look at the history of guys who were in contention or who ended up winning, all were wonderful drivers of the golf ball and good, solid iron players.”
“That’s what it’s going to take there at Olympic, more so than most US Open sites.”
Aaron Baddeley was the best of the Australians finishing in a tie for ninth, seven shots off the pace at two-under par.
Greg Chalmers (+4), Nick O’Hern (+4), Rod Pampling (+5), Adam Scott (+5), Robert Allenby (+8), Geoff Ogilvy (+9) and Marc Leishman (+9) were all well off the pace.