GREENSBORO (United States) • Tiger Woods could not end his victory drought, but 51-year-old Davis Love snapped his on Sunday with a one-stroke win in the Wyndham Championship that made him the third-oldest winner in US PGA Tour history.
All eyes were on Woods at Sedgefield Country Club, where the 14-time Major champion was in contention on Sunday for a first US PGA Tour win since 2013.
The former world No. 1, coming off a missed cut at the PGA Championship that marked his third straight early exit from a Major, needed the victory to make the US PGA Tour's FedEx Cup play-offs.
His chances effectively ended with a triple-bogey seven at the par-four 11th hole. That was followed by a bogey at the 12th, and even a storming finish that included four birdies in his last six holes was not enough.
Woods closed with an even-par 70 for a 267 total, his tie for 10th his best finish of a disappointing season. While Woods' US season is over, Love is headed to the play-offs after grabbing his first US PGA Tour victory since 2008.
"Incredible," was Love's verdict on the win, achieved with a final round of 64 that included eagles at both of Sedgefield's two par-fives.
"Any victory is going to be really sweet when you're over 50," he said. His total of 263 gave him a one-shot win over Jason Gore, the overnight leader who carded a 69.
"I've been working to try to get my game back," said Love, who had foot surgery in March and was out of action for two months. "You just wonder if the body is going to wear out."
South African Charl Schwartzel carded a 66 for 265 where he was joined by England's Paul Casey (67) and American Scott Brown (68).
Love's third Greensboro title - after wins in 1992 and 2006 at Forest Oaks Country Club - was finally secure once Gore missed his 50-foot birdie attempt at the final hole.
"I was nervous," admitted Gore, whose solo second-place finish was enough to retain his Tour card. "We weren't just playing for a tournament, we were playing for a job next year."
Love's 21st career victory saw him jump into the top 125 in the FedEx Cup rankings, earning his spot in the opening event of the series, next week's Barclays.
At 51 years, four months and 10 days old, Love trails only Sam Snead and Art Wall as the oldest winners on the US tour.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
