Goosen consistency keeps Woods waiting

Tiger Woods wasted a golden opportunity to end his wait for a title as he let the South African Retief Goosen gain four shots over the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club.

Woods had won 30 out of 32 events when he had at least a share of the lead entering the final round. The last time he held the 54-hole lead was last year at the American Express Championship. That was 19 stroke-play tournaments ago, which also is the last time Woods won such an event.

Woods had a share of the lead with Jay Haas but Goosen's final-round 64 was enough for victory. In similar fashion to his victory at the US Open this year, the South African played methodically to hit 17 of 18 greens in regulation and made the necessary putts to take a one-stroke lead at the turn.

Woods and Haas took time to get their games going on Sunday. Woods made three bogeys and Haas two before they posted birdies on the par-five ninth to move into a tie with Goosen.

Over the last nine holes Goosen made three more birdies and Woods and Haas could not match him. Woods finished second at seven under par with a two-over 72, four shots behind Goosen.

"We gave the guys a chance to come from behind," Woods said, "and 'Goose' took advantage of it and just played a great round of golf."

Vijay Singh's attempt to win his 10th event of the PGA Tour season failed as he finished in ninth place at three-under after a final round 65.