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KAPALUA, Hawaii - Geoff Ogilvy will never consistently beat a healthy and motivated Tiger Woods but he has the mental and physical attributes to be the second or third best player in the world.
Ogilvy's six-stroke victory at the Mercedes-Benz Championship at Kapalua was only his sixth professional
triumph, but he has established a reputation for quality over quantity, winning significant tournaments, most notably the 2006 US Open.
The 31-year-old Victorian's next step is to develop greater consistency and start playing at or near his best 15 or 20 times a year, rather than five or six.
"I think I'm getting closer to that point, but there's still a gap there," he said after carding 68 to finish at 24-under-par 268.
"If I played like this every week I'd be alright. Obviously, I have to work out how to do it a bit more often.
"I think it's coming. I think I could get to that sort of stage."
Ogilvy has come a long way in a relatively short time, on and off the course. A decade ago, he was eking out a relatively modest living on the European Tour.
Now, he leads the life of a minor celebrity mingling with movie stars, dining at the White House with President Bush and buying almost anything he desires with the more than US$17 million ($29.49 million) he has won in the US alone since joining the tour in 2001.
"We are so lucky to play for the money we do," he said.
"It's a completely absurd lifestyle we live, hanging out in the middle of the Pacific and playing for a million dollars (first prize US$1.12m, A$1.6m).
"That pool down there at the Ritz-Carlton, it's unbelievable the celebrities that come through. Every player is sitting around the pool seeing who they can spot."
Ogilvy was speaking after a rollercoaster final round. He started the day with a six-shot lead, but it was down to one stroke by time he arrived at the par-five ninth.
However, he steadied the ship with a timely eagle, hitting a majestic three-iron approach that settled three metres from the pin, and when he drained the putt, he suddenly was in control again. Five birdies in the next six holes were icing on the cake.
"As I walked off the ninth green, I felt the best I had all week," he said. "All of a sudden, a switch flicked and I felt decent.
"I hit it great this week, except for about four shots this morning. It was as good a 63 holes as I've ever played.
"To win the first week, that's a dream start to the year. I knew I was playing well, so it's nice to have one up early and now I can set about getting more."
- AAP