Price Wins Million Dollar Challenge

Nick Price survived a nailbiting five-hole playoff with world number one Tiger Woods to win his third Million Dollar Golf Challenge, and the second in a row, at Sun City on Sunday.

In a dream final day, Woods chipped in from 25-feet on the par-4 18th hole for birdie to force the 41-year-old Zimbabwean into the playoff after both he and Price had carded their lowest rounds of the tournament, six under par 66's.

Price's round included six successive birdies from the ninth to the 14 holes, while Woods made seven birdies to go with one dropped shot as both finished with 15-under-par totals of 273.

Last year's Open Championship winner Justin Leonard also came close to joining the two in the playoff, missing out by one shot after failing to birdie the final hole.

For the huge crowd, one of the biggest to watch the 17-year-old tournament, a Price-Woods shootout could only have been bettered if local favourite Ernie Els had got in on the action.

Price's chip on the fifth playoff hole was worth $1 million. (Reuters)

But Els had a miserable day shooting a one under par 71 to finish eight under for the tournament.

Woods had his best chance on the third playoff hole, the 18th, when his second shot landed to within 12 foot and Price pitched his second into the rough.

But the Zimbabwean produced a brilliant chip that ended less than a foot from the hole, and Woods was unable to convert his putt.

Two holes later, on the par-4 17th, Price landed his second shot to within six feet and Woods two feet outside of that. Price made his, Woods didn't and it sent the local crowd into raptures.

"What a day, I couldn't have scripted it better," Price, who also won in 1993 and 1997, said afterwards. "I knew going down 16 that one of us was going to win because the guys behind us weren't doing anything."

Unlike the crowd, Price admitted that he wasn't surprised Woods had chipped it in at 18, denying him of a win via the short route.

"His birdies at 17 and 18 just show what kind of a player he is," Price said. "To beat someone like Tiger makes this win even more special. He's a phenomenon."

Tiger reacts to missed putt on 17tin the playoff. (Reuters)

"Even when he mishits his drives they still go 30 yards past mine and that's a tall order on this course."

Price admitted he was just glad that by the time he reaches the seniors tour in nine years, Woods would only be hitting his prime.

"Tiger is still learning to manage his game, when he reaches his 30's he's going to be an awesome golfer. I'm just glad I'll be on the seniors tour then," Price joked.

The 22-year-old Woods admitted that he could have so easily have been the one holding up the glass trophy.

"I had my chances at 17 and 18 the first time round and pulled my uphill putts," Price said. "In order to beat a player of the calibre of Nick you need to hole one of those."

For Woods, his debut performance at the Million Dollar, resulted in mixed emotions.

"I feel both a sense of achievement and failure. I feel achievement for making the playoff but it was disappointing I didn't win because of those two putts."

After arriving from Japan on Tuesday, Woods admitted that fatigue had played a role during his first Sun City tournament.

"I feel tired and worn out, maybe I'd feel better if I'd won that playoff," Woods said.

As for his 18th hole chip, arguably the shot of the tournament, Woods said it was a simple case of necessity.

"I had to make that chip. I had no choice," Woods said. "I knew when I hit it was on line but I didn't know if it had enough pace or not."