King of Torrey Pines: Tiger Woods’ Unreal Numbers From His First 12 Starts

The PGA Tour has moved towards playing the Farmers Insurance Open. The event will be held at Torrey Pines – an iconic PGA Tour venue. Countless players have played and won at the same, the long list including legend Tiger Woods.

Over the span of his career, Woods has returned to Torrey Pines time and again, making it one of the most successful courses in his career. While he has been sidelined for some time now, his success at Torrey Pines will always be special.

Tiger Woods and his amazing record at Torrey Pines

In a recent tweet, the Golf Digest took a look at Woods’ many starts at the venue. One can easily say that Woods winning at the course, including his 2008 US Open win, makes it much more iconic. Of course, Woods’ success rate at the venue is beyond impressive, including many top ten finishes if not a win.

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A list of all Tiger Woods’ first 12 starts at Torrey Pines

• 1998 – 3rd – Buick Invitational
• 1999 – 1st – Buick Invitational
• 2000 – 2nd – Buick Invitational
• 2001 – 4th – Buick Invitational
• 2002 – 5th – Buick Invitational
• 2003 – 1st – Buick Invitational
• 2004 – 10th – Buick Invitational
• 2005 – 1st – Buick Invitational
• 2006 – 1st – Buick Invitational
• 2007 – 1st – Buick Invitational
• 2008 – 1st – Buick Invitational
• 2008 – 1st – US Open

NOTE: The Farmers Insurance Open was the Buick Invitational up until 2009

As one can see, Woods began his journey at Torrey Pines with nothing but success. He only has top 10 finishes, with his total of seven wins outweighing his other results.

His first win was the Buick Invitational in 1999, a memorable win for a then-23-year-old. Though he was behind nine shots, he made it at the top after scoring 62 in Round 3. Woods shot a final-round 65, winning by two strokes (22-under), making it his eighth PGA Tour win.

Even Woods’ 2003 win is commendable, especially as he returns from left knee surgery. This was his 35th tour win, where he beat Phil Mickelson, Brad Faxon, and Carl Pettersen to secure his victory.

Woods’ iconic 2008 win

However, what will remain most iconic is his 2008 US Open win. Woods birdied Hole No. 72, which gave way for an 18-hole playoff on Monday against Rocco Mediate. Once again, Woods’ birdie on Hole 18 brought upon sudden-death. What came next was his 14th major title, the last for some time until his 2019 Masters win.

Moreover, Woods was playing with an ACL tear.

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Apart from his 12 first starts, Woods has also taken home the 2013 Farmers Insurance Open win. It remains Woods’ last win at the venue, and his 75th PGA Tour title.