• Arnold Palmer Invitational, Round Four

Tiger roars to seventh Bay Hill crown

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Tiger Woods confirmed his return to form as he ended a 30-month wait for a PGA Tour title with victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida.

The former world No. 1 led from the first to the last hole as he strolled to victory by five strokes from Graeme McDowell to claim a seventh title at Bay Hill and underline his chances of victory at next month's Masters.

Starting the day with a single shot lead over McDowell, Woods tightened his grip on top spot when his opponent double bogeyed the opening hole. Although the Ulsterman rallied to reduce the deficit to two strokes, his cause aided by an eagle at the sixth, four birdies in six holes saw Woods reach the turn in 33, while McDowell failed to keep pace.

Woods dropped a shot at the 14th, but McDowell failed to take advantage; three bogeys and a birdie on the back nine saw his challenge falter as Woods returned to the winner's circle on the PGA Tour for the first time since September 2009.

"[Winning] is down to a lot of hard work but it was great to have so much support out there," Woods said. "I'm excited about the Masters. It's always fun to play there and I'm looking forward to going to Augusta with the momentum I've built here."

McDowell's closing 74 was enough for second as he finished on eight-under, two strokes clear of Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Poulter, who matched McDowell's round of 74 to claim his best finish of the year.

Ernie Els failed in his bid to earn a place at Augusta after a final round 75. The South African needed to finish outright third or better to return to the world's top 50, but was left to rue five bogeys as he finished in a tie for fourth on five-under, alongside Englishman Brian Davis and American Bubba Watson.

Justin Rose had been in contention at the halfway stage after posting back-to-back rounds of 69, but his final-round 73 saw him slip to three-under.

Charlie Wi shared the lead with Woods on Friday and reached the turn in two-under to remain firmly in contention, but the Korean tumbled down the leaderboard, dropping eight shots on his back nine as he signed for 78 to finish the tournament on level par.

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