Tiger cashes in at Deutsche Bank

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Colin Montgomerie proved he can stay close to Tiger Woods. Beating him is another matter.

Woods won his third Deutsche Bank-SAP Open title in four years on Monday, making an 8-foot par on the 72nd hole to get into a playoff and beating Montgomerie on the third extra hole with another par.

Montgomerie, struggling with a bad back, drove into a bunker close to the lip. His approach shot came out heavy and went into the lake, leading to a double bogey.

Montgomerie has never won a tournament with Woods in the field, although Woods paid tribute to the Scot's tenacity.

"He is a great champion, whether he has won a major or not," Woods said. "Monty was obviously not exactly feeling his best, but he is a true champion and fought the entire round. It was a great battle going head-to-head with him -- and a lot of fun."

The two finished tied after 72 holes at 20-under 268. Woods closed with a 68, while Montgomerie had a 69.

Woods had a chance to win on the first playoff hole -- all the extra holes were played on No. 18 -- but his 14-foot birdie putt lipped out. Both players also parred the second playoff hole.

On the third try, Montgomerie took a penalty drop after the shot into the lake, and his fourth shot was 20 feet from the pin. He two-putted from there for a double-bogey 6.

That left Woods with two putts from 4 feet for victory. He made the first one to claim the $410,222 first prize. He also received an appearance fee reported to be $2 million.

Woods sympathized with Montgomerie after the Scot's final tee shot.

"He hit a good shot, but the wind died from what it had been the previous times we played the hole and the ball went further than it should have," Woods said. "He was unlucky, then he was up against the lip in the bunker."

Montgomerie led by a stroke after three rounds, but his participation in the final round was in doubt because of the back injury.

"At the end of the day, the best man won," Montgomerie said. "It was a good effort considering my physical condition. This morning, I was about to pull out.

"I thought at the start of the day that 80 was reasonable, then maybe 75. So in the circumstances, I am very proud to go out there and shoot 69."

Woods won for the 38th time worldwide.