Tiger Woods: Reaction and Analysis After Win at Arnold Palmer Invitational

That clacking sound you hear is the knees of every PGA golfer not named Tiger Woods knocking together.

The world's former No. 1 player is back, and he is playing as good as ever. At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Woods posted his first win on the PGA since 2009. Over the course of the 924 days since his last win, there have been 72 different golfers winning PGA Tour events. 

Woods entered Sunday with a one-stroke lead. Then, just like old times, he extended that lead by playing rock-solid golf as those chasing him faltered.

He coasted to a five stroke victory at -13. Graeme McDowell was the closest competitor at -8.  

Tiger Tweets of the Tourney

This fan likely just echoed the sentiment felt by golf fans all over.

"

Tiger Woods is back...!! Can't wait for the Masters..!

— Marcus Cromartie (@Cromartie_M) March 25, 2012"

For those counting down, the Masters begins in two weeks. 

Tiger must have had some nerves, as he played with a lead and looked to close out his first PGA win in over two years. Those nerves had to be comforted by familiarity, though.

As ESPN tells us, Tiger is comfy when playing with the lead at Bay Hill.

"

Tiger Woods watch, he's on 18 with lead....Tiger is a perfect 5-5 at Bay Hill when entering the final round with the lead/share of lead.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 24, 2012"

The fact that Tiger made that 6-for-6 at Bay Hill was a little inconsiderate on his part. Just ask this guy:

"

Sorry I'm running late. I've been setting my clock to Tiger Woods choking in the final round since 2009, but had some problems with it today

— David Breitman (@DavidBreitman) March 25, 2012"

Analysis

On a day with a the wind swirling and the course playing hard, Tiger was sure and steady. He wasn't taking big risks, and when he did, he nailed them. 

He was amazing with his irons and deadly with his putter. Tiger was nailing green after green in regulation and not leaving any strokes out there with his putter. 

Woods tied for first in this tournament by hitting 79.2 percent of greens in regulation. He was also first in putts inside 10-feet made percentage.

These are the two things that have made Tiger so hard to beat. That remarkable iron play and putting makes it nearly impossible to catch him when he has the lead. 

Combine that with his solid work off the tee, and Tiger is unbeatable. He was 29th with a driving accuracy of 64.3 percent. That number is especially impressive given that he finished 11th in driving distance.