Tiger Woods ties Sam Snead’s record for most wins on PGA Tour

Tiger Woods has made history in Japan, recording a wire-to-wire victory in the Zozo Championship to equal the great Sam Snead for most PGA Tour victories.

Tiger Woods led from start to finish to win the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. Picture: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

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Tiger Woods has equalled Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour title victories with a three-shot win at the Zozo Championship in Japan.

The 43-year-old American played the final seven holes Monday in the rain-hit tournament, completing a 3-under 67 to beat local favorite Hideki Matsuyama at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

“It’s just crazy. It’s a lot,” Woods said. “I’ve been able to be consistent most of my career. ... Today was one of those days where I was able to pull it out.”

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Incredibly happy for @TigerWoods--and for game of golf--on his 82nd @PGATOUR win. For a number of years, all we wanted was to see Tiger healthy again, but for his quality of life. But it's very obvious that the surgery and the hard work Tiger put in resulted in quality of golf!

— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) October 28, 2019

Now this is one fantastic photo! Congratulations @TigerWoods on your amazing come #BACK! #82 🏌️‍♂️⛳️ https://t.co/GtqLyrQCvq

— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) October 28, 2019

The toughest mind in all of sport has made another remarkable comeback from injury. @TigerWoods just tied Sam Snead’s record for most @PGATOUR wins of 82 victories. A stunning triumph in Japan. Tiger is the goat.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 28, 2019

Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago - his fifth on the same problem joint. He was making his first start in his 23rd season on the PGA Tour.

“I can still manage my way around the golf course,” Woods said. “I know how to play. I was able to do that this week.” The fourth round was suspended because of darkness Sunday, and Woods took a three-stroke lead over Matsuyama into Monday in the first official PGA Tour event in Japan.

He bogeyed his first hole Monday, the par-4 12th, but was solid the rest of the way with birdies on Nos. 14 and 18 to finish at 19-under 261.

The first to win a PGA TOUR event in Japan. 🇯🇵

The second to reach 82 wins. 🏆@TigerWoods makes history at the @ZOZOCHAMP. pic.twitter.com/gW0yEI5b1g

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 28, 2019

82 Tiger wins. How 'bout that, huh? pic.twitter.com/qN4bnqWyfm

— Skratch (@Skratch) October 28, 2019

Matsuyama also closed with a 67 Rory McIlroy, the highest ranked player in the field, completed his round with two birdies for a 67 to tie for third at 13 under with Sungjae Im. Im had a 65. Woods opened with consecutive 64s, with a day off in between because of rain. He had a 66 on Sunday in the third round.

“It’s been a long week,” Woods said. “Five days at the top of the leaderboard is a long time.”

After his impressive win, the 43-year-old Woods hinted that he would select himself next week when he makes his four United States team picks for the Presidents Cup, to be played in Melbourne in December, “I think the player got the captain’s attention,” Woods said.

Originally published as Tiger Woods ties Sam Snead’s record for most wins on PGA Tour