Nicklaus praise for Woods

Tiger Woods could be back at world number one by the time he heads to Royal Lytham next month for the Open Championship.

Everything seems possible again for Woods after he produced what Jack Nicklaus called "one of the most incredible shots you will ever see" en route to winning a fifth Memorial Tournament.

Event host Nicklaus was among the first to congratulate the 36-year-old as he matched his 73 PGA Tour victories, leaving only Sam Snead to catch on 82.

"He had to rub it in my face right here, didn't he?" Nicklaus said, to great laughter. "No, if he's going to do it, which he was obviously going to, I'd like to see it happen here. That was good. That was great."

Woods, back up to fourth in the rankings, now hopes to move three behind the Golden Bear's 18-major record at next week's US Open in San Francisco.

He has been stuck on 14 for four years, but if he wins at the Olympic Club the number one spot - currently in the hands of Luke Donald - will be in range again.

The magic shot came at Muirfield Village's short 16th, with Woods one behind Rory Sabbatini and over the green in rough. The flag was down a slope and beyond it was a lake.

"It was where he had to land it, what he had to do and what the penalties were if he didn't make it," Nicklaus said.

"Unbelievable. If he hits it short the tournament's over, if he hits it long the tournament's over and he put it in the hole.

"What a shot. I don't think under the circumstances I've ever seen a better shot."