Woods eased to victory

The form of the world number one had been under scrutiny following a run of below-par performances.

But Woods romped to a five-shot win at Lemont, Illinois to set the record straight with his fourth victory of the year.

He finished 21-under on 267 to equal the 72-hole mark for the tournament.

And the American left a group of Major winners trailing in his wake.

WESTERN OPEN LEADERBOARD 267: Tiger Woods 272: Rich Beem 274: Jim Furyk, Mike Weir and Jerry Kelly 205: Robert Allenby and Cliff Kresge

US PGA holder Rich Beem was second on 272, while US Open winner Jim Furyk (65), Masters champion Mike Weir and Jerry Kelly were joint third on 274.

Australian Robert Allenby and Cliff Kresge shared sixth spot.

Woods began the round with a six-stroke lead and birdies at the first two holes and another at the 10th propelled 10 shots clear before inclement weather intervened.

When play resumed, bogeys at the 14th and 18th, coupled with Beem playing holes 10 to 14 in five-under, cut his lead.

But Woods had already done enough to win his 38th PGA Tour title.

I never was in a slump - this week I made some putts Tiger Woods

Afterwards, the world's best player hit out at those who had accused him of a loss of form.

"One of the things I've learned about being out here is not to get trapped in this up-and-down rollercoaster of the press, sensationalism," he said.

"I never was in a slump, I kept saying I was getting close. This week I made some putts."

Runner-up Beem said: "He [Woods] just kind of got into a groove.

"When you get into a groove, golf seems really easy and fun, and for him it's even easier than it is for everyone else.