It is truly remarkable to think that Tiger Woods had at least a share of the lead heading into the final round of the first 14 major championships he won.
Tiger Woods, of course, did not fail to convert a 54-hole lead in a major until the 2009 PGA Championship when Y.E. Yang stole the show at Hazeltine.
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But what some may not realise is that Woods also boasted an incredible record across all events when he held a lead of at least three shots with 18 holes to play.
The first player to stop Woods winning in that instance did so at the event now known as the Hero World Challenge – in what was the 29th time he found himself at least three shots ahead with one round to go.
The first player to stop Tiger Woods winning an event in which he led by at least three shots with one round to go
The Hero World Challenge is not an official PGA Tour event. However, it is a significant tournament in the current golfing calendar with many of the field tending to take time off during the fall portion of the season.
The 2010 event – known as the Chevron World Challenge – saw the likes of Paul Casey, Rory McIlroy, and Hunter Mahan finish in the top five.
Woods had gone into Sunday with a four-shot lead. But within the first five holes of the final round, the gap was down to one.
Woods ended up having a tough day on the greens. And it was Graeme McDowell who went on to take advantage.
Just two players – McIlroy and Stewart Cink – posted a better final round than McDowell. And in the end, McDowell – who joined LIV Golf in 2022 – was able to beat Woods on the first playoff hole to secure only his second victory on American soil.
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McDowell was subsequently asked about becoming the player to end Woods’ incredible run.
“I didn’t know the stat, but I was aware that he’s a pretty good player and a pretty d— good closer,” he said. “So, yeah, I mean, to be the guy to break that run is pretty special, of course.
“I’m sure he’s disappointed. Certainly wasn’t the result the fans wanted out there. I was sensing the fans wanted – I mean, obviously I’m up there – I’m definitely a guy who says that golf needs Tiger Woods and we need him back winning tournaments.
“Just great to see him back playing great again this week. I thought he controlled his ball really well the last couple of days. Just kind of got on the wrong side of the 13th there and made double. Apart from that, didn’t do a huge lot wrong today.
“Like I say, just the putter was cold. Like I say, I think he’ll be back winning golf tournaments in 2011. I’m in the camp that say golf needs Tiger Woods back.
“Obviously I was trying to go out there and do my job today, but he’ll be back winning tournaments very soon.”
It seems fair to say that 2010 proved to be the best year of McDowell’s career. As well as winning the US Open at Pebble Beach, he also managed to secure the point that won Europe the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
He would go on to win the World Challenge for a second time in 2012, this time finishing three shots clear of Keegan Bradley.
Woods, meanwhile, would actually lose in a playoff once again the following year. That means that the 49-year-old has lost more playoffs at the Hero World Challenge than he has across his entire PGA Tour career.
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