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San Diego, California: One way or another, Tiger Woods plans to draw level with Arnold Palmer in the record books before he tees off in next week's Dubai Desert Classic in the UAE.
The American world number one stretched his lead to eight shots after Saturday's third round of the Buick Invitational and his 62nd PGA Tour title appears to be all but a formality.
Relationship
The only doubt is when Woods will be able to seal his fourth successive victory at Torrey Pines, and sixth overall, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast for the final round.
"We're going to probably have to get it in today and, if so, so be it," Woods told reporters after spread-eagling the field with a six-under-par 66.
"I'll still go over there to Dubai and play. I think I'll still be in time to play the pro-am, which will be my practice round, then tee it up on Thursday. It's a short flight. It's only 20 hours," he jested.
Woods is poised to join Palmer in fourth place in the all-time standings for PGA Tour career victories. Only Sam Snead (82), Jack Nicklaus (73) and Ben Hogan (64) have won more.
However, Woods is already looking forward to posting victory number 63.
"The relationship Arnold and I have, I think it'll be more fun when I get to the point where I get one up on him," the 32-year-old American said with a smile.
"Then I can jab him a little bit because he's always jabbed me," he joked.
"That's the great thing about Arnold - he's the best that way."
Although Woods has made a habit of texting fellow golfer Annika Sorenstam and top-ranked tennis player Roger Federer after clinching major victories, he ruled out that option with the 78-year-old Palmer.
"Does he actually receive texts?" he queried.
"I know I tried to text Jack Nicklaus one time and he doesn't know how to do that."
Scores
Buick Invitational Scores (USA unless noted):
198 - Tiger Woods 67-65-66
206 - Stewart Cink 68-69-69
207 - Joe Durant 70-70-67
209 - Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 71-67-71, Doug Labelle 68-72-69, Justin Leonard 76-68-65, Boo Weekley 72-66-71
210 - Stuart Appleby (AUS) 67-72-71, Ryuji Imada (JPN) 69-72-69, Jeff Quinney 69-71-70
211 - Fred Couples 71-69-71, Steve Elkington (AUS) 71-71-69, Kenneth Ferrie (GBR) 73-67-71, Carlos Franco (PAR) 71-69-71, Charles Howell 68-72-71, Phil Mickelson 70-73-68, John Senden (AUS) 70-69-72, Kevin Streelman 67-69-75, Kevin Sutherland 73-68-70, Camilo Villegas (COL) 69-72-70.
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