THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Two years ago, Tiger Woods outdueled Zach Johnson down the stretch at his own World Challenge to win for the first time in more than two years and 26 tournament starts.
On Sunday, they’ll meet again under much different circumstances.
Seeking his sixth victory of 2013, Woods leads Johnson by two strokes entering the final round, where they’ll be paired together for a second consecutive day.
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It should bring back some memories of that battle from two years ago.
“I birdied the last two holes,” Woods recalled. “I had an uphill right to left around 17, which I pulled in there. And 18 that little downhill right to lefter. I hadn’t won in a while, so not only to have won my tournament, but also the way I did it against the person I did it against, Zach’s not going anywhere. He’s consistent. He’s tough. And he’s proven that he can win major championships. So I knew that, and you know, it was a great battle.
“I mean, I don’t know if any of you guys remember that shot he played on 14 on the green. Little pitch shot. He was on the green and he chipped it. Had a hell of a shot. He’s just tough to beat.”