.jpg)
The Loop
Video: Tiger looks like the Woods of old at Bay Hill
For a seventh victory at Bay Hill and a 72nd PGA Tour title of his career, there were still plenty of firsts in Tiger's return to the winner's circle over the weekend. It was Woods' first official win since returning to competiton after his scandal (a drought lasting 30 months) and a first victory with caddie Joe LaCava on the bag. Perhaps most importantly, it was also the breakthrough triumph of the Sean Foley era.
Woods' new swing held up well all week and in particular, under pressure and against the wind on a difficult Sunday. His ball striking was near flawless during a front-nine 33 that allowed him to seize control of the tournament. Here are highlights from the final round:
The Tiger naysayers will undoubtedly refuse to label him all the way "back" until he wins a major, but a five-shot win at one of the PGA Tour's premier regular events certainly quiets a lot of critics. Woods can do more convincing in 10 days when he tees it up as the betting favorite at Augusta National.
-- Alex Myers