TIGER WOODS’ EXCELLENT year continued in California yesterday as the world number one recorded a round of 62 to hit the front at the World Challenge event.

Woods dropped 10 birdie putts and did not drop a shot all day as he hit the front in his final event of 2013. The American could not end his drought in the Majors this year but has been otherwise brilliant and looks set to capture another title this weekend.

Zach Johnson is two shots behind Woods after a round of 68 while Matt Kuchar, who matched that second round score, is a shot further back. Graeme McDowell is on his own in fourth place but six shots off Woods’ -11 score after two rounds.

Woods was delighted that his putter was hot throughout the day. He said, “I can’t speak for other players, but I can speak for myself.  I enjoy being there. I enjoy having that opportunity, whether I make or miss. Just being in that position is fun.

I remember talking to MJ [former Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan] a number of times; he’d much rather have the opportunity to hit the game winner, win or lose, and you can accept the responsibility for it. I relish being in that position, accepting whether I win or lose, just being in that spot.”

Rory McIlroy is down at +6 after a disappointing round of 77 at the Sherwood Country Club. The Northern Irishman was level for his round after 11 holes before carding three bogeys and a quadruple bogey nine on the 16th.

Here are the best moments from the leading pack at the World Challenge:

YouTube credit: PGA TOUR

In the European Tour, David Higgins has dropped back to +1 after three rounds. The Kerry golfer led the Hong Kong Open after his opening round but faltered in his next two outings. Stuart Manley of Wales leads the way on -10.

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