Tiger Woods continued to dominate at Torrey Pines, building a six-shot lead on Sunday in the final round of the US PGA event before bad light stopped play.

Woods, who earlier shot a three-under-par 69 in the fog-delayed third round to open up a four-shot lead through 54 holes, was three-under through seven holes in round four before play was halted for darkness.

It moved him to 17-under-par for the tournament, six ahead of defending champion Brandt Snedeker (13 holes) and 2009 event winner Nick Watney (eight holes).

“I played well today. Overall I’m pleased I was able to build on my lead,” Woods said.

“A six shot lead – that’s a positive. I’ve got to continue with executing my game plan.

“That’s the idea. I’ve got 11 holes to play, and I’ve got to go out there and play them well.”

The 14-time major winner hit his opening two drives well left, but scrambled for pars before hitting it close on the third and nailing a 10-foot birdie.

Just when it looked as if he might stumble on the fourth following another wild tee shot, the 37-year-old produced some of his old magic.

Stuck behind a tree, Woods carved out a curving long approach shot to just short of the green and then duly chipped in from 40 feet for a second-straight birdie and a five-shot buffer.

He increased the lead to six with a regulation two-putt birdie on the par-5 sixth to put him well and truly in the box seat for a 75th US Tour win.

Only Sam Snead, with 82, has more victories.

Woods has won 49 of the 53 times when he has held at least a share of the third-round lead and failed to convert just once in the past eight years.

Aaron Baddeley was the pick of the Australians at five-under-par in 25th place through eight holes and the Victorian has a 27-foot eagle putt when play resumes.

John Senden (-4), Jason Day (-3) and Scott Gardiner (+2) round out the Australian tilt.