Jim Furyk had a lot of expectations when he arrived at the Chevron World Challenge. They didn't include winning for the first time in more than two years.

He is good friends with tournament host Tiger Woods, his partner for nine matches in cup competitions. They are an odd couple on the surface, linked mainly by the grit in their golf games.

Furyk sent Woods a text message when he heard about the Nov. 27 car accident and never heard back. Before long, speculation gave way to allegations of extramarital affairs, until Woods posted a statement on his Web site acknowledging "personal failings."

"I expected a lot of questions would be asked about Tiger a lot this week," Furyk said after closing with a 5-under 67 for a one-shot victory Sunday. "I can honestly say not one person has asked me for a quote or an opinion or anything like that. He and his wife are friends of mine. And as friends, you want to support them and wish them the best."

No one bothered him because Furyk was in the middle of the pack in the 18-man field at Sherwood Country Club.

He was easy to miss until the final round, when he took the lead with a wedge to close range for birdie on the 10th, kept it by knocking in a 35-foot par putt on the 17th hole and making his best shot of the day the winning shot _ a 9-iron from 146 yards on the 18th hole that landed near the cup and spun 5 feet away for a birdie.

Even more noticeable was the red shirt Furyk wore on Sunday, the color Woods has made famous during his 82 worldwide victories and 14 major championships.

Furyk said that was a coincidence, nothing more.

Even so, it was a fitting conclusion to a week dominated by talk of Woods.

Woods wasn't around to present the trophy to one of his favorite players on the PGA Tour. He withdrew because of unspecified injuries from his accident, yet he remained part of every conversation because of worldwide publicity over his off-course scandal.

Woods posted a statement on his Web site as the final round was under way to thank his sponsors, staff and volunteers. "And I am sincerely sorry I was unable to fulfill my duties as host and player in this important event," he said.

Furyk recalls wearing red _ a rarity for him _ in the final round of the 2007 Canadian Open, his last victory at a tournament recognized by the world golf ranking.

"Maybe I need to start," he said. "But no, I didn't mean to make a statement or didn't really think about it. So you like the outfit? I'm curious what my grade is."

Considering it was bright red with a brown stripe and brown pants, leave that to fashion experts.

His golf _ especially at the end _ was simply superb.