Van Pelt, who mounted a stiff challenge, is in no doubt that Woods is back to his formidable best.

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Every time I hear or read or hear "Erika Van Pelt, " I think of a long and lifeless weave.

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"I think he's the only guy to win three tournaments on tour this year -- on three different golf courses, " Van Pelt said.

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One stroke behind Woods and Briton Rose is a quartet of Americans -- Bo van Pelt, Steve Stricker, Matt Kuchar and Scott Piercy.

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Here is a simple explanation of QE3: Ben Bernanke is Lucy Van Pelt, the American people are Charlie Brown, and QE3 is the football.

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American Bo van Pelt (66) finished alone in ninth on 11 under, one shot ahead of compatriots Matt Kuchar, Webb Simpson, Kevin Streelman and Jason Dufner.

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Former World No.1 Lee Westwood made the biggest move of the day, tapping in from 17 inches on the final hole for a birdie to card a 65 and move to 11-under, the same mark as Bo Van Pelt.

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In another twist, fellow American Bo Van Pelt had shot a 59 in the pro-am Wednesday, but it does not count for the record books, while Mickelson himself carded a 59 at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in 2004, a four-man invitational tournament which does not count towards the official money list.

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