Furyk holds nerve to clinch Western Open

Jim Furyk, dogged by questions about his wrist and game all season, fired a two-under-par 69 to win the Western Open at 14-under-par 270.

But Tiger Woods did not let Furyk pick up his 10th PGA Tour victory and first since 2003 without a fight. A pair of late bogeys stalled Woods’ momentum and left him alone in second at 12-under 272.

Furyk’s last win came at the 2003 Buick Open. He had an off year last season after wrist surgery in March sidelined him for nearly three months. The 2003 US Open champion, Furyk has had a number of close calls this season before finally breaking through.

Furyk lost by two at the MCI, came up short in a play-off at the Wachovia and was done in by Padraig Harrington’s 65-foot eagle putt on the final hole last week at the Barclays.

With Woods charging, the stage was set for Furyk to come up short again before he answered the challenge with a birdie barrage of his own. Furyk was even after nine holes and had a one-shot lead over Woods and Ben Curtis when he reeled off three birdies in a row, starting on the 10th.

Woods flies in to Ireland this morning to play in the JP McManus Pro Am at Adare.