Bernhard Langer: Europe's top dog

"It's been very up and down for me all week," he said, "but it's that kind of course - it causes exciting golf."

Miguel Angel Jimenez was a shot behind Langer at eight under, with fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal - another two-time winner - a further stroke back.

Britain's top player was Darren Clarke, who carded a 73 on Sunday to finish four under.

The Northern Ireland player started well as he birdied the long second, hitting two woods just over the back and then chipping close - but he three-putted the next for a bogey.

After picking up shots at 15 and 16, Clarke - who dropped four strokes in the last three holes on Saturday - suffered yet more woe at the end of his round with bogeys at the last two holes.

"I couldn't hold any putts," Clarke said. "I've hit the ball really well this week, but I've not taken any chances.

Darren Clarke takes some time out on day four

"Overall I'm disappointed to finish on four under, because I feel I've played better than that."

Ireland's Padraig Harrington started impressively with four birdies in the first seven holes to reach four under.

But a disastrous triple bogey eight at the 13th saw Harrington squander most of his good work and he had to settle for a 71 and a one-under total of 287.

"It knocked the wind out of me," Harrington said of the triple-bogey. "After that my head was spinning."

US-based Swede Jesper Parnevik was happier after finishing five under after a 69.

"I wanted a low score to make up some Ryder Cup points," he said.

Defending champion Vijay Singh also carded a 69 to reach six under.

The best start of the day came from Woods' best friend on the Tour, Mark O'Meara.

The 1998 champion began his fourth round in brilliant style, picking up four shots in the first three holes.

"It's always fun to get off to a quick start," said O'Meara, who ended the week on five under. "I struggled on the greens, but I hung in there and 68 is a decent score today."