ATLANTA, Georgia – Nov. 9, 2004 – European Tour member Retief Goosen captured the season-ending Tour Championship on the US PGA Tour when he turned a four stroke deficit into a four stroke victory over Tiger Woods at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia.

Goosen, winner of the Volvo Order of Merit in 2001 and 2002 and second this year, claimed his third title of the season, after victories in the US Open Championship and Smurfit European Open, with a final round of 64, six under par for an 11 under par total of 269, four strokes ahead of Woods who carded a final round of 72.

Just as he won the US Open at Shinnecock Hills in June, Goosen made no mistakes as he hit 17 of the 18 greens in regulation to charge up the leaderboard and claim the $1,080,000 first prize. Victory also moved Goosen up to fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Both third round co-leaders Jay Haas and Woods took time to get going in Sunday's final round as Woods made three bogeys and Haas two before they eventually carded birdies on the par five ninth hole to move into a tie with Goosen who was out in three under par.

And over the last nine holes Goosen continued his assault, making three more birdies while Woods and Haas could not come close to matching him. It was only the third time in 33 occasions that Woods failed to win when at least sharing the 54 hole lead.

“We all thought Woods was going to be the guy to beat,” said Goosen. “Although I thought Jay could be a big contender because he hits it so straight and you don’t need to hit it really long. But when I saw they were a few over, I knew I was in for a chance.”

After struggling on the back nine in the previous three rounds, Goosen made mistakes on the final afternoon, picking up three birdies in the closing holes including one on the tough par four 16th, the toughest hole of the tournament, when he hit a five iron from the right rough to three feet.

“It was just one of those shots that came off at the right time and possibly won the tournament for me,” said Goosen.

Vijay Singh missed out on his bid to win his tenth event of the PGA Tour season as he finished in ninth place at three under par after shooting a final round 65. His $180,000 cheque took his season’s earnings to $10,905,166, a record on the US PGA Tour.