Tiger Woods once again came up with a big birdie at the 18th, and went on to win his third U.S. Open title on the first hole of sudden death on Monday.

It was the 14th major championship for Woods, who parred the sudden-death seventh at Torrey Pines to edge Rocco Mediate. The American world number one becomes the first golfer in history to win seven tournaments on one golf course.

Tiger Woods watches his drive from the second tee during the fourth round of the U.S. Open golf championship at Torrey Pines in San Diego June 15, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Mediate held a one-shot lead heading into the 18th, but Woods came up with a birdie to keep alive his chance for a championship. On Sunday, Woods birdied No. 18 to force the 18-hole playoff.

It was just the third sudden death at the major since it was instituted in 1954. The last sudden death at the U.S. Open took place in 1994, when Ernie Els defeated Loren Roberts and Colin Montgomerie for the title.

Mediate, 46, was bidding to become the oldest U.S. Open champion and oldest first-time major winner in golf history. He overcame a three-shot deficit through 10 holes, with birdies at No. 13, 14 and 15, the last giving him a one-stroke lead after Woods bogeyed No. 13.

Both men played the first 18 holes in even-par 71. Mediate hit a fiarway bunker with his tee shot on the final hole, then landed near the grandstand on the left side of the front of the green. He chipped to within about 16 feet, but was unable to extend the round any further.

(Agencies via Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2008)