History of Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines has long been considered a favourite playground for Tiger Woods. It has unquestionably been a lucrative association, as the former world number one has secured 14 titles at the venue in La Jolla, California. As the 14-time major champion returns for his comeback onto the regular PGA Tour, we look back at his victories on this iconic layout.

Six of these successes were as an amateur, including the World Junior Championship at the age of 15. Later, as a professional, he first won on the South Course back in 1999. That week saw Woods achieve a record score of 22-under-par, but it would be several years before he triumphed again. In 2003, Tiger finished four shots ahead of Carl Pettersson, beginning a reign of dominance at Torrey, later securing an astonishing quadruple of titles from 2005 to 2008. 

Counting down to the 2008 U.S. Open, it seemed like destiny for Woods. However, struggling with a painful knee problem, Tiger's resilience and inner-strength was remarkable during a memorable battle with the veteran American Rocco Mediate, who took the world number one to extra holes after a gruelling 18-hole Monday playoff. Despite his extraordinary major successes, this 14th title - now a decade ago - remains perhaps his most impressive due to the sheer will on display.

Later, following years of scandal and injury, Woods enjoyed a renaissance in 2013, winning five times and restoring himself to the summit of the World Golf Rankings, beginning that run with a seventh victory in what is now known as the Farmers Insurance Open. 

Now back for his latest, much discussed return, the question of Tiger Woods' future in the game at the age of 42 remains unknown, despite an encouraging performance at the Hero World Challenge. But "home comforts" of a kind may just prove invaluable to the game's greatest modern player at Torrey Pines.