Torrey Pines saw the start of Tiger Woods 2011 campaign with high hopes at the Farmers Insurance Open that he could return to a favourite hunting ground and get the season started. Instead he ended in 44th place with a three-over-par 75 in the final round in California.
Despite launching his season at one of his most successful venues, Woods struggled with his swing for most of the final round while he also battled with his putting.
Woods, a seven-times winner at Torrey Pines since turning professional in 1996, was a shadow of his former dominant self as he finished the tournament with a one-under total of 287, well out of contention.
"I hit a lot of good shots early in the week and then it progressively got worse," said Woods after recording only his third over-par score at the event in 47 rounds.
"Today was nice starting out. I hit it just as pure as can be and then it got worse as the day went on. I hit so many good putts that didn't go in today. So I have a week to get ready and have got a lot of work to do."
Woods, who totalled 32 putts on the day, has next week off before heading for the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic.
An opening round of 69 had left Woods feeling optimistic heading into the weekend before he tumbled out of contention, repeatedly shaking his head in frustration after hitting errant shots.
"The old motor patterns are still there, and that is the thing," said Woods, who embarked on the fourth swing change of his career with the Canadian coach, Sean Foley, in August.
"I'm going to have to fight through that. I've done it before and there's no reason I can't do it again. It takes reps and it takes reps under competition. You can't be afraid to go ahead and try it."
Asked how close he was to completing his swing overhaul, he replied: "Oh, it's progressing. I don't know. It's one of those things where I don't know where the end is. You never know where the end is until you're done with your playing career."
Woods, who has not won a tournament since the Australian Masters in November 2009, finished the 2010 PGA Tour season without a title for the first time in 15 years as a professional.
Meanwhile in a dramatic finish at Torrey Pines Bubba Watson edged out Phil Mickelson after his birdie on the 18th proved the decisive shot and enough to clinch his second career title.
Watson sank a 15-foot putt on the final green to leave Mickelson needing to chip in for an eagle to tie and force a play-off. But Mickelson left his shot three feet short and Watson was the winner.
