PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- PGA Champion Tiger Woods, who completed his competitive season in September as the 2007 PGA Player of the Year, tied his own all-time record for season scoring excellence by earning a seventh Vardon Trophy, presented by The PGA of America.
Woods won seven events this season, including the 89th PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in August, and finished the season with an adjusted scoring average of 67.79 based on 63 rounds, the fewest rounds he has needed to win the award in his career. In the process, Woods matched his record scoring average of the 2000 season, when he completed 76 rounds.
Of his seven Vardon Trophy wins, Woods has averaged 72.28 rounds per season (see chart below). From 1980 to 1998 -- prior to Woods' first Vardon Trophy victory -- past winners have averaged 81.4 rounds per season.
This year, Woods completed his stroke-play events on Sept. 16, at the TOUR Championship in Atlanta. He wrapped up a ninth PGA Player of the Year Award at the time. Ernie Els was runner-up in adjusted scoring average at 69.29, though his 59 recorded rounds would have been one short of qualifying for the Vardon Trophy.
Justin Rose was third with a 69.30 adjusted average based on 63 rounds, followed by Steve Stricker at 69.39 after 81 rounds. Jim Furyk, the 2006 Vardon Trophy winner, was fifth at 69.47 based upon 84 rounds.
Phil Mickelson and Masters Champion Zach Johnson were ineligible for Vardon Trophy consideration this season after having incomplete rounds during the Memorial Tournament.
Since 1937, the Vardon Trophy, named in honor of famed British golfer Harry Vardon, has been awarded annually to the touring professional with the lowest adjusted scoring average. To be eligible, golfers must complete a minimum of 60 rounds, with no incomplete rounds, in events co-sponsored or designated by the PGA Tour.
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
Final 2007 Vardon Trophy Standings (through 11/04/07):
| Player | Rounds | Average |
| 1. Tiger Woods | 63 | 67.79 |
| 2. Ernie Els | 59 | 69.29 |
| 3. Justin Rose | 63 | 69.30 |
| 4. Steve Stricker | 81 | 69.39 |
| 5. Jim Furyk | 84 | 69.47 |
| 6. Sergio Garcia | 68 | 69.48 |
| 7. Vijay Singh | 102 | 69.49 |
| 8. K.J. Choi | 87 | 69.61 |
| 9. Scott Verplank | 82 | 69.69 |
| 10. Rory Sabbatini | 81 | 69.74 |
Tiger Woods and the Vardon Trophy:
| Year | Rounds | Average |
| 1999 | 75 | 68.43 |
| 2000 | 76 | 67.79* |
| 2001 | 76 | 68.81 |
| 2002 | 68 | 68.56 |
| 2003 | 74 | 68.41 |
| 2005 | 74 | 68.66 |
| 2007 | 63 | 67.79* | |
Total Rounds: 506/72.28 per year
Vardon Trophy 7-year adjusted scoring average: 68.35
* Adjusted Scoring Average Record
