July 6, 2009

Even after 67 victories, Tiger Woods hadn't had a finish quite like Sunday's at the AT&T National.

Challenged by Hunter Mahan's record-tying 62 at Congressional in Bethesda, Md., Woods plotted his way along the back nine and delivered the decisive birdie with a 20-foot putt on the 16th green, closing with a 3-under-par 67 for a one-shot victory.

With three birdies in a five-hole stretch, Woods surged past Anthony Kim, who finished third, four shots back, in the high-charged final pairing. Mahan finished second after making six birdies on the back nine and tying Kim's course-record 62 set Thursday.

Woods had routine pars on the final two holes to finish at 13-under 267 for his third victory this year.

He won in his second try at the tournament he hosts, just as Jack Nicklaus won his Memorial in the second year.

"It was great shaking my hand today," Woods said.

The 68th victory of his PGA Tour career moved him to the top of the money list and FedEx Cup standings for the first time this year.

It was the ideal final pairing at Congressional - the world's No. 1 player and tournament host tied with Kim, a confident 24-year-old who was the defending champion.

"I had a lot of fun," said Kim, who didn't have a birdie on the back nine. "I know I'll be knocking on the door again. It's only a matter of time. I learned if you have a birdie putt, you better make it."