KEVIN KISNER WINS CHILE CLASSIC ON WEB.COM TOUR

FROM THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE

By Joe Chemycz, Web.com Tour staff
SANTIAGO, Chile – Kevin Kisner fired a 4-under-par 68 Sunday to win the Chile Classic and earn his second career title on the Web.com Tour. 
Kisner, one of three 54-hole co-leaders, played the final five holes at the Prince of Wales Country Club one-over par but his 21-under 267 score was enough to edge out Brice Garnett (68) and Edward Loar (69) by one stroke for the trophy.
Guy Boros (65) and home-town favourite Benjamin Alvarado (71) tied for fourth at 18-under. Five others shared sixth place at minus-17 but the week-long birdie fest in Santiago belonged to Kisner, who figured he might be in the mix despite playing poorly in Panama and Colombia.

Leaderboard Results

“I don’t know why I won because I played so bad the last two weeks and missed the cut,” he said. “It wasn’t terrible but my game wasn’t there and I wasn’t confident. This course just fit my eye really well. I knew when I played my first nine holes in the practice round that I’d have a chance here.”
An opening 71 put him well back in the pack but a course-record, 11-under 61 on Saturday vaulted him into a share of the lead with Alvarado and Loar. Sunday figured to be a shootout but Kisner inched his way to a three-shot lead early on the back nine.
“I was trying to get to 22-under all day. That was the number I had in my head,” he said after starting out at 17-under. “When I got there with the birdie at 13 and still had two par-5s I thought I was going to be good. It was a little shaky there coming in.”
Kisner hooked his tee shot into the trees at the par-5, 14th hole and his ball nestled into a nasty lie.
“That was the worst lie I saw all week. I could barely advance the ball,” he said. “It was an ugly six.”
Kisner wound up with a bogey-6 on the second-easiest hole of the week, which cut his lead to one.
“That made me start thinking a bit,” said Kisner, who picked up a check for $117,000. “It was a pretty ugly last four holes too. I didn’t really do anything and they weren’t that pretty but the guys in front of me didn’t do anything special to put any pressure on me.”
Loar had fallen three back with a bogey at No. 15 and closed to within one with birdies on his final two holes.
“I played pretty good and obviously those first two days it was lights out,” said Loar, who opened with back-t0-back 65s to lead by two at the halfway mark. “I’ll probably look back on a couple of putts and figure I had a chance to win but that’s why you have to play them all. Anytime you shoot 20-under par you can’t really complain.”
Garnett was 4 under and bogey-free through 14 and had the leader in his sights but he dumped his second shot into a bunker at the par-4 16th and failed to get up and down for par.
“There was the one shot that probably cost me,” he said.
Garnett rebounded with a birdie on 17 and faced the reachable, par 5 closer.
“I didn’t look at board until 18 tee. I knew there was going to be some stuff going on behind me with the crown and I didn’t want that to affect me,” he said. “I figured I had a pretty good chance, one down with one par-5 to play.”
Garnett went for the green in two but his four-iron from 215 bounced over the back of the green.
“It’s hard to pull one less there with water front right,” said. “I had a chance to make birdie but couldn’t get that last one up and down.”
Garnett’s par meant all Kisner had to do was play conservatively and make it a three-shot hole.
“I could have gone for it if I needed to but I saw Brice miss that putt,” said Kisner, who hit 7-iron for his second shot. “I was just hoping it was for birdie and I wasn’t making a mistake. I figured I could I make par from 80 yards.”
His wedge stopped 20 feet from the pin and all he needed was two putts.
“I was glad to see the first putt stop where it did,” he said. “One foot, I got that.”

SCOTT BROWN WINS PUERTO RICO OPEN

FROM THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE
RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico -- Scott Brown made birdie on the 18th hole Sunday to go from a one-shot deficit to a one-shot victory in the Puerto Rico Open for his first US PGA TOUR title.
Leaderboard
 Brown closed with a 2-under 70. He earned a two-year exemption on TOUR and 300 FedExCup points, as well as a spot in the PGA Championship this summer.
Fabian Gomez of Argentina had a one-shot lead until he went over the green and into a bunker on his third shot, blasted out to 15 feet and missed the par putt. He closed with a 71 and tied for second with Jordan Spieth. The 19-year-old from Texas had a 67.
Former U.S. Amateur champion Peter Uihlein tied for sixth, giving him a spot in the Tampa Bay Championship presented by EverBank next week.
Brown finished at 20-under 268 and earned $630,000.
The Puerto Rico Open was an event for US PGA Tour players who did not qualify to play in the WGC-Cadillac championship at Miami. 

EIGHT SEEDS FOR SCOTTISH BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP NAMED FOR MONIFIETH

FROM THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION WEBSITE

The countdown is on to the first ‘Major’ of the domestic season, with the draw for the Scottish U18 boys' championship now available to view online.

Being staged at the renowned Monifieth Golf Links, north of Dundee from April 1 to 6 for the first time, the best young Under-18 players will assemble seeking to emulate last year’s winner, Craig Howie from Peebles.

With Howie now over age, a new name will be on the coveted trophy, with Ewan Scott (St Andrews) installed as the No 1 seed.

Scott won last year’s Boys' Order of Merit and the 17-year-old has continued his form in 2013, winning a gold medal for Team GB at the Australian Olympic Youth Festival and reaching the semi-finals of the South African Amateur Championship.  

Scott, beaten by Howie in last year’s final at Murcar Links, faces stiff opposition from another Team GB gold medal winner, Bradley Neil from Blairgowrie, who is seeded second in the bottom half of the draw.

Ewen Ferguson (Bearsden), George Burns (Williamwood) and Alan Waugh (Cowglen) complete the top five seeds and will all fancy their chances.

Fellow Boy Performance Squad members Connor Syme from Dumfries and County and Robert MacIntyre (Glencruitten) are also seeded, with Calum Hill (Tantallon) the final seed at No 8.

Previous winners of the Scottish boys' match-play championship include illustrious names such as Andrew Coltart, Steven O'Hara and Scott Henry.

Bill Miller, Chairman of Monifieth Golf Links, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this very prestigious tournament, having last hosted a national championship in 2005. That year, we staged the Scottish boys' stroke play championship when Steven McEwan of Kilmarnock (Barassie) won. 

We also co-hosted the Men’s Stroke Play in 1997.

“I hope this is a precursor to Monifieth going on the Scottish boys’ rota regularly – we certainly hope it’s the first of many. We have a good test of golf, currently in very good condition despite the wet weather, and our members are looking forward to welcoming the nation’s best young golfers.”

>> Click here for the draw for the Scottish Boys Championship

POST VACANCY _ SECRETARY/TREASURER, LOTHIANS GOLF ASSOCIATION

 f

FROM THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION WEBSITE

A vacancy has arisen for the position of Secretary/Treasurer at The Lothians Golf Association (LGA), with the current post holder retiring at the end of August 2013.

The Lothian Golf Association (LGA) is a constituted body and is part of the Scottish Golf Union (SGU). The SGU is the governing authority for male amateur golf in Scotland and is made up of 16 Areas, of which Lothians is the largest in terms of member clubs and players.

Our 75 Affiliated Clubs have a male membership of almost 29,000 as well as a substantial membership of ladies and an increasing number of juniors. There are also 45 Affiliated Societies representing a wide range of interests such as banking, insurance, building and service industries, former pupil associations and a host of small local clubs with histories going back well over 100 years.

The LGA represents the affiliated clubs in the Lothians area at the SGU and organises a number of high level competitions and matches on behalf of the golfers in the Lothians as well as organising the South East District Championship.

The LGA is responsible for selecting teams to represent the Lothians in national competitions, both at senior and junior level, which is often the players ‘stepping stone’ to international selection. In order to develop young golfers in the Lothians, the LGA runs an extensive winter coaching programme for juniors who have been nominated by their clubs as their most promising golfers.

The Secretary/Treasurer position is home-based and involves flexible working (average 24 hours per week). Good communication skills, a knowledge of bookkeeping and word processing together with an enthusiasm for the game of golf are essential. Experience of Club administration is desirable. Honorarium negotiable.

A more extensive job description can be provided to interested parties by contacting the association by phone (0131 334 7291) or by e-mailing AllanGShaw@hotmail.com

Applications in writing with CV to: Allan G Shaw, Secretary, Lothians Golf Association, 34 Caroline Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 8QX.

The closing date for applications is 7 April.

LATE BOGEYS CUT TIGER'S WINNING MARGIN TO TWO STROKES

Tiger Woods is a World Champion again!
He could afford to bogey the 16th and 18th and still win the WGC-Cadillac championship by two strokes from Steve Stricker at the Trump Doral Blue Monster, Miami in Florida today.
Five shots clear at one stage, Tiger took no risks over the closing holes. He did not have to. 
His nearest rivals in the early stages, Graeme McDowell and Phil Mickelson dropped back and eventually finished joint third with Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia on 274 - five behind the winner.
Woods had birdied the second, fourth and 10th to put daylight between himself and those waiting for him to slip. 
Woods, whose high point in the turnament was 21 under par with three holes to play, finished with a one-under 271 for 19-under 269.
Stricker signed off with a 68 for 271.
Adam Scott had the day's lowest score - an eight-under 64 which elevated him to joint third on 274. Garcia signed off with a 69 to hit that mark which also carried the names of Mickelson (71) and McDowell (72).
It was Tiger's seventh triumph in the WGC event and his second over the Trump Doral Blue Monster.
Earlier, Matteo Manassero illustrated his vast quality with an impressive 66.
The precocious 19-year-old Italian, who followed back to back 71s with a disappointing 75 yesterday, showed those in contention what is possible via an outstanding effort.
Many expected scoring to prove difficult in round four with the Blue Monster course hit by trademark winds, but Manassero looked untroubled.
Another player who enjoyed a fine day after a few nightmares recently was World No 1 Rory McIlroy, who - having eagled the first - picked up birdies on five, ten and 11 to be eight under overall, five for the day.
Rory finished with a 78 to be the early clubhous leader on 10-under-par 278.
McIlroy was demoted by the Australian who should have won last year's Open - Adam Scott. He posted a last-round 68 for 14-under-par 274.
Paul Lawrie improved with every round after his moderate start - 78-73-72-70 ... and yet he ran up a double bogey 6 at the 18th hole for the third time in the tournament when a par finish would have given him a 68.
Lawrie birdied the first, third and ninth, followed by an eagle 3 at the 12th. He was officially placed T58.
Scott Jamieson, who finished T23, did very well to sign off with a 72 for 283, the same total as Manassero and ahead of such players as Lee Westwood (71 for 284) and Ian Poulter (73 for 285).
Luke Donald had a disappointing total of 289, closing with a 72. His third-round 76 sank him.
Stephen Gallacher finished with a 74 for 292 - only one shot ahead of Paul Lawrie. Gallacher was p;laced T53.   

TO SEE ALL THE SCORES AND CHECK 
THE SCORECARDS

CLICK HERE

LEADING FINAL TOTALS 
Par 288 (4x72)
Players from US unless stated
269 Tiger Woods 66 65 67 71
271 Steve Stricker 67 67 69 68 
274 Adam Scott (Australia) 72 70 68 64, Sergio Garcia (Spain) 66 72 67 69, Phil Mickelson 67 67 69 71, Graeme McDowell (N Ireland) 66 67 69 72
276 Keegan Bradley 68 68 69 71
278 Rory McIlroy (N Ireland) 73 69 71 65, Justin Rose (England) 68 72 70 68, Peter Hanson (Sweden) 67 71 70 70, Michael Thompson 69 69 67 73
SELECTED OTHER TOTALS
279 Richard Sterne (S Africa) 70 71 71 67
283 Matteo Manassero (Italy) 71 71 75 66, Scott Jamieson (Scotland) 70 68 72 72 (T23)
284 Lee Westwood (England) 73 69 71 71 (t25)
285 Ian Poulter (England) 68 70 72 73 (T28)
288 David Lynn (England) 71 70 76 71, Padraig Harrington (Ireland) 76 72 68 72 (T39)
289 Luke Donald (England) 70 76 71 72, Chris Wood (England) 71 74 74 73 (T43)
292 Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) 74 75 69 74 (T53)
293 Paul Lawrie (Scotland) 78 73 72 70 (T58) 

TO PLAY LIKE A PRO, FIRST LOOK LIKE A PRO AT THE ADDRESS POSITION

FROM THE GOLF CHANNEL.COM WEBSITE

• By Christian Czaja, SwingFix instructor 

One of my students told me something interesting after playing in a US PGA Tour event for the first time. He said he noticed that all the tour pros stand to the ball in a similar fashion with a flat back and noticeable spine tilt.
I thought to myself, that was a keen observation from a very good player. It’s something I teach all the time but is often overlooked by golfers who are not coached.
Let's talk about spine tilt and the "pro-type" setup position.
When I look at top ball strikers setting up to play a full swing, I see the hips go back and the upper body tilt forward from the hip joints. It is noticeable from the wedge to the driver, and the shorter the golf club the more the tilt.

---

Popular golf instruction tips:  Driving Tips | Hit The Ball Further | Distance Tips | Full Swing

---

Tilting forward makes sense when we picture how the golf club swings around the body in a circle. The club orbits the body and the shape of the golf swing is determined by this circle.
In "pro-type" swings, we can see a swing shape that repeats and has a circle around the body, not too flat and not too upright. The best players I see on the US PGA Tour, including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have a noticeable tilt forward from their hips.
To hit better golf shots, pay attention to your tilt, and use video from down the line to analyze your spine tilt.
I tell many of my students that there is no reason why they can't look like a pro in their address position. With some practice and video work, their ball-striking improves and they hit more solid golf shots.

Take an online lesson with Christian Czaja.

TRAHAN ONLY ONE SHOT OFF LEAD AT MARBELLA

Rookie pro Callum Trahan, playing out of Meldrum House GC. Oldmeldrum, is lying joint 10th, one stroke behind nine players sharing the lead on par 72 after the first round of the Gecko Pro Tour's 36-hole, two-day event at Marbella Golf and Country Club on the Costa del Sol.
Traham countered a triple bogey 7 at the 12th by covering the last four holes in three under par with a birdie at the 15th and an eagle 3 at the 17th.
Malcolm Isaacs (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) is joint 18th in a field of 52 with a 75 which included a double-bogey 6 at the first.
First prize is 2,000 Euros.

GECKO PRO TOUR
Marbella G&CC
LEADING FIRST-ROUND SCORES
Par 72
72 A Sondergaard (Den), J Reiss (Eng), N Joy (Eng), D Gersztein (Ger), C Rodiles (Spa), M Quiros (Spa), N O'Briain (Ire), A G Mohedano (Spa), S Lussi (Den) (am).

SELECTED SCORES
73 C Trahan (Sco), D Aldridge (Eng) (T10)
74 G Walsh (Ire) (T14)
75 M Isaacs (Sco) (T18).
ENDS

NBW CLUB, ST ANDREWS END FLAT TENANCY OF FORMER CLUB CAPTAIN

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By AUSLAN CRAMB, Scottish Correspondent

One of Scotland's most prestigious golf clubs is said to be bitterly divided over a decision to end the tenancy of a former captain who rents a flat overlooking the 18th and first holes of the Old Course in St Andrews.
Brian Neil has lived in the property for 13 years and friends say he and his partner, Iris Kerr, captain of St Regulus, a ladies’ club in the town, were “stunned” to be asked by the New Golf Club of St Andrews to move out.

The club plans to renovate Mr Neil's one-bedroom flat and two others in the terraced block that adjoins the clubhouse before renting them to students for nine months of the year, and to visiting golfers for the remaining three months.

Mr Neil, a retired construction industry executive, has emailed his friends and supporters in the club outlining his case in a bid to delay the plan.

He said: "I do not know if you have already heard but I have been served with a notice to quit flat No 2 which has been my home since July 2000.

"Whilst this is a serious matter to Iris and me, it is the reason that this is being done that is of great concern.

"I was led to believe that the flats were being given an upgrade to maintain them in good condition and I would be offered the tenancy, albeit with possibility of an increase in rent. This was stated in a letter sent to me on the 22nd October 2012.

"Then, at a meeting with captain, a committee member and the secretary, I was informed of the notice to quit decision and the flats were to be rented out to students during their term and then used as dormie flats for overseas members during the summer period."
He added that he did believe the changes would produce the income expected by the committee, and said he had heard rumours the scheme could cost £100,000.
Mr Neil, who is thought to pay around £600 a month in rent, accused the committee of being secretive, and said the project ought to be put to the membership.
One member added: "This is a terrible way to treat a man who has been a stalwart of the club."
Mark Richardson, the club secretary, said it was a private matter between the club and Mr Neil, adding: “Some members may make comments but they don't know the full facts.
"The decision has been taken and it will follow its due process. It is not an eviction, it is the termination of the lease. It is a short assured tenancy and the proper notice has been given."

WORLD ONE-ARMED GOLF AT BALLATER IN JUNE

The 76th world one-armed golf championship will be hosted by Ballater Golf Club from June 3 to 7. The holder of the title is a Swedish player, Alex Hjalmarsson who will be bidding to complete a hat-trick this year.

GECKO PRO TOUR, SPAIN SCOREBOARD

TO VIEW TODAY'S SCORES IN THE GECKO PRO TOUR 36-HOLE EVENT AT MARBELLA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, SOUTHERN SPAIN

CLICK HERE

UHI JUNIOR GOLF EVENT AT LOSSIEMOUTH

E-mail from  Brian Ritchie

I am presently undertaking some studies on a Golf Management Course with the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) at Dornoch.  As part of this course we are currently working on an Event Planning module. The assignment for this course entails myself and two other students working together to run an event of our choice.

Our team has decided to run a Junior Event on the New Course at Moray Golf Club, Lossiemouth on Saturday, March 23.
I would be obliged if you would consider running the News Release (below).  I don't know if you are able to assist in getting it in to other local media also.  If so that would be appreciated.
We would look at running a follow up story, with pictures of the winners, post event.
Your assistance in this would be greatly appreciated.

Brian Ritchie
07910478218

MORAY GC TO HOST UHI JUNIOR EVENT SPONSORED BY ASSOCIATED SEAFOODS 

 

NEWS RELEASE

Students from the Golf Management course at the University of Highlands and Islands are set to run a new Junior event at Moray Golf Club on Saturday 23 March 2013.  The inaugural tournament is sponsored by Associated Seafoods, Buckie and has been developed as an opportunity the North and North East District youngsters to have some competitive links play, in preparation for the Scottish Boys Championships to be held at Monifieth a couple of weeks later.

"As part of our Event Planning Module we were required to develop, plan and run an event of our choice" said one of the organisers Steven Kerr.

"Obviously being Golf Management students we were always going to have a golf based event and the opportunity to support the development of some local talent seemed too good to miss.  We are extremely grateful for the support of both Moray Golf Club and Associated Seafoods Ltd, as without their participation this event would not have been possible."

North East District Junior convener, Ronnie Campbell, said, "We are delighted the students have taken upon themselves to create this event.  The Scottish Championships come very early in the season and I am sure the boys will welcome the opportunity to get competitive golf against some of their peers.  Holding it on a links course will be particularly beneficial." 

Mr Campbell’s enthusiasm was mirrored by that of North District Junior Convener John Ross, when he commented, "We are always keen to see our boys do well at the Scottish Championships and I am sure this new event will help in their preparations.  Both Districts are continually looking to enhance the development of their youngsters and this will undoubtedly help in that cause."

The students are hopeful that if the event proves to be a success there may be an opportunity for it to be run on an annual basis.

MARTIN LAIRD SAYS SWING-CHANGE PAIN WILL BE WORTH IT IN THE END

FROM TODAY'S "SUNDAY POST"
By DOUG PROCTOR
Martin Laird has missed his last three cuts on the US Tour and sits well down at 167th on the money list.
Yet the Scot remains ice cool as he goes about his business, bespite his 2013 earnings of $27,000 being over a million dollars short of his position this time last year!
His current World Ranking meane he missed the WGC event in Miami this weekend and only a win on one of his next three tournaments will get him back to the Masters.
So was the Scot wise to change his swing coach last September while on his way to earnings of over $2 million?
Laird has no doubts, and it comes as no surprise why he is taking a time-proved precarious road to changing his game.
"I think it will help me get to a better level than I was at," he reasons.
"Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards. I know it is going to take time but the way I'm hitting the ball in practice has got me really excited about my game.
"On the course it is taking some getting used to, but it's not like it's anything big. It's what you hear guys saying all the time - you have to play through it.
"I've dropped in the World Rankings, so this year is going to be a different year as I'm not in all the Majors or WGC events right now.
"So my situation has changed as far as my schedule goes. But, taking the glass-half full angle, it gives me the motivation to get back into the top 50 in the world.
"That's where you want to be and where I have been fortunate to be for the past few years."
And Laird has done it with the belly putter which has become the villain of of the game in may traditionalists' eyes.
The Scot sees troubles ahead if the ban on anchoring the putter is approved by the RandA and USGA.
He contends: "I don't really anchor the putter, so it does not really affect me, to be honest. I just rest it against my shirt. It never actually touches my belly so I just have to cut an extra inch off it to be alright."
But Laird agrees the ban could cause more problems than it solves.
Stand by for television viewers phoning in non-stop, accusing players whose putter is so close to the body it would be impossible even for TV to say it is anchored.
Laird agrees: "That's the sad thing about it becaus there are so many positive things go on the for the game right now. Instead, they are arguing about something that has been a staple diet in the game for years."          

TIGER'S 24 BIRDIES AND ONLY 74 PUTTS OVER THREE ROUNDS

FROM THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE

By PGATOUR.COM wire reports
DORAL, Florida-- Tiger Woods hit a tee shot that got stuck in a palm tree. That's about the only thing that didn't fall his way Saturday in the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship.
Woods made seven more birdies on the TPC Blue Monster at Trump Doral, the last one from 15 feet on the 18th hole that gave him a 5-under 67 and a four-shot lead over Graeme McDowell heading into the final round.

Leaderboard Tee times

Woods has made 24 birdies and taken only 74 putts through three rounds, both personal bests in his US PGA Tour career.
It put him in great position to win his 17th career World Golf Championships, and his first since 2009.
He has a 39-2 record when he has the outright lead going into the final round on the PGA TOUR. The only time he has ever lost a lead of more than two shots was in 2010 against an 18-man field at the Chevron World Challenge, when McDowell beat him in a playoff.
McDowell was six shots out of the lead with three holes to play when he tried to keep it close. 
His drive on the 16th finished just over the green, and he chipped in for eagle. He picked up another shot on the 17th when Woods' tee shot embedded high into the trunk of a palm tree. Once his ball was identified, he took a penalty drop and made bogey.
The lead was down to three shots, but not for long.
"After I made birdie on 15, I was looking pretty good with a six-shot lead, and with a drivable par 4," Woods said. "Two holes later, it's now cut down to three. I piped a tee shot down there, hit a little 9-iron there and was able to pour that putt in there."
Woods made birdie to reach 18-under 198, and McDowell did well to stay only four shots behind with a two-putt from 85 feet away. That gave him a 69, and another date with Woods in the final group at Doral.
Phil Mickelson, who badly wanted to get into the final group, overcame a three-putt from 4 feet for double bogey on the third hole by making four birdies the rest of the way. He had a 69, along with Steve Stricker, and both were five shots behind.
"I threw away five or six shots on the greens and around the greens, and I feel like I don't have to play too much different," Mickelson said. "I just can't afford to give away those shots. I'm going to have to play a round like I played at Pebble last year, something in the low 60s."
A year ago, Mickelson shot 64 in the final round to win at AT&T Pebble Beach while playing in the same group with Woods.
Rory McIlroy, the world's No. 1 player, had a rough start until rallying on the back nine with five birdies in a six-hole stretch that carried him to a 71. He was 15 shots behind.
Woods used to own these WGC events, winning 16 of the first 30 that he played. He has gone 0-for-10 since the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in August 2009, though the odds were stacked in his favor at the Cadillac Championship. He already is a three-time winner at Doral, and he has been putting well ever since Stricker gave him a tip on the eve of the tournament.
"You know what kind of closer he is," Stricker said. "When he gets the lead in a golf tournament, it's tough. He doesn't let too many guys in usually when he gets the lead. We've all got our work cut out for us. We're going to have to go out and try to make birdies on a difficult golf course, which is hard to do."
It's even tougher with Woods playing like this. He has matched the low round of the tournament all three days.
For nine holes, McDowell threw his best golf at Woods, and Woods counterpunched in a magnificent display on the breezy Blue Monster.
McDowell opened with a 20-foot eagle, Woods with back-to-back birdies. McDowell hit his approach to 10 feet on the third hole, and Woods followed with a shot 6 inches inside as both made birdie.
McDowell finally tied him for the lead with a 20-foot putt on the sixth hole, and he had a 10-foot birdie attempt on the seventh for the outright lead. The stroke was tentative, and the ball dipped on the low side.
And that was as close as McDowell could get.
Woods had a one-shot lead as they walked toward the green on the par-5 10th hole, with McDowell on the green in two and poised to catch him again. It all turned so suddenly.
Woods hit another superb wedge to 6 feet for birdie, while McDowell's eagle attempt slid 4 feet by the cup, and he missed it coming back for par. McDowell was furious, slapping his leg in disgust. McDowell and Woods each had 6 feet for par on the 11th -- Woods made, McDowell missed, his first bogey of the week.
That gave Woods a three-shot lead, and McDowell fell even further behind when he muffed a pitch behind the 14th green and took double bogey, and Woods hit a towering tee shot on the par-3 15th to 6 feet for birdie.
"The three-putt on 10 kind of rattled me a little bit, because Tiger didn't look like he was going to do anything wrong," McDowell said. "I really felt like I needed to be making putts like that."
McDowell at least stayed in the game, but after his putt across the length of the 18th green stopped inside a foot from the hole, he could only watch as Woods poured in another putt for yet another birdie, making the task on Sunday even more difficult.
The leaderboard still had the best golfers. Woods, however, separated himself from them.
Honda Classic winner Michael Thompson and Sergio Garcia each had a 67 and were at 11-under 205, along with Charl Schwartzel (69) and Keegan Bradley (69). Masters champion Bubba Watson could only manage a 71 and was eight shots behind.
Woods will be going for his second win of the year, an ominous sign with the Masters a month away.
"All respect to the way he handled himself today and the way he played," McDowell said. "He's going to be a tough guy to catch. But according to the forecast tomorrow, we are going to have strong winds. I think that's an advantage to the rest of the field. ... With tough conditions tomorrow, hopefully we'll have a chance."

SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWS OF THE SCOTS
PLAYING IN THE WGC-CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP
AND THE THIRD-ROUND SCOREBOARD