Tiger Woods, in his first tournament of the year, clinched a record fourth Buick Invitational title in a three-way playoff last night.

The world number one parred the second extra hole, the par-three 16th, to edge out 2002 champion Jose Maria Olazabal, who missed a par putt there from just four feet.

Australia's Nathan Green dropped out at the first extra hole, the par-five 18th, after running up a bogey-six.

The trio had finished the 72 regulation holes on 10-under-par 278, Woods and PGA Tour rookie Green carding 72s and Spaniard Olazabal closing with a 69.

It was the fourth playoff in the event in nine years.

India's Arjun Atwal, who missed a five-foot birdie putt at the last to miss out on a playoff spot, tied for fourth at nine-under 279 after signing off with a 71.

Level with Atwal were Americans Jonathan Kaye, who birdied the last five holes for a 68, John Rollins (69) and Lucas Glover (71).

US PGA champion Phil Mickelson, also bidding for a fourth victory at the Buick Invitational, had to settle for a share of eighth place at eight under after returning a 73.

Level with Mickelson was joint overnight leader Sergio Garcia, who battled to a seven-bogey 75.