Couples cashes in

Fred Couples made two big putts – both worth at least $300,000 (€226,400) – and was again the big winner of the Skins Game that also included Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Annika Sorenstam.

Fred Couples made two big putts – both worth at least $300,000 (€226,400) – and was again the big winner of the Skins Game that also included Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Annika Sorenstam.

By sinking a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-four 10th and knocking in a one-footer for par on on the fourth extra hole, Couples earned $640,000 (€483,100) and won the event for the fifth time.

His long putt on the 10th was worth eight skins, the third-most won on one hole in the history of the Skins Game.

His big win was set up on Saturday when there was no winner on the final seven holes.

Woods pocketed $310,000 (€234,000) by winning five skins – all when he converted a six-foot birdie putt on the 15th.

After a perfect drive, Woods hit a six-iron from 148 yards to set up his birdie putt. After Woods’ win on the 15th, the players halved the remaining three holes.

Scott and Sorenstam were both eliminated with pars on the first play-off hole, the par-five 18th.

Couples and Woods each carded pars on the net two play-off holes on the 17th and 18th.

The two players returned to the 17th and Couples took advantage of Woods’ mistake off the tee.

On the 204-yard par three, Woods hit a three-iron into the water, opening the door for Couples. A three-iron to 25 feet put Couples in good position, and he two-putted for par to win three more skins and $340,000 (€256,600).

“When he hit in the water, it’s not an easy shot,” Couples said. “I aimed it to the right and tried to hammer it.

“I pulled it a little bit and it looked like a great shot, but I figured if I was able to get it on land I was going to make four and win.”

Woods said: “I’m just happy I took the ’King of Skins’ extra holes, made him work for it.”

Scott, the only player to cash in on the first day, and LPGA Tour champion Sorenstam did not win any holes on Sunday.

“I had a great time over the weekend. Being able to play with Tiger, Annika and Freddy was a great experience,” Scott said.

Sorenstam won $225,000 (€169,800) in this event last year but carded only one birdie in the two-day event and was the only player to come away empty-handed this year.

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