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SAN DIEGO – It took 91 holes, but at this point, who's counting?

Tiger Woods has more significant numbers to consider. His 19-hole playoff victory over Rocco Mediate in the 108th U.S. Open at Torrey Pines on Monday moved him within four of Jack Nicklaus' record 18 major titles.

Woods passed Ben Hogan on the all-time list with his 65th career victory. And he joined Nicklaus with his third career Grand Slam.

At 32, Woods is the best player ever, although some will hold off saying that until his 19th major win.

His third Open victory added another convincing chapter to the argument. Playing for the first time since knee surgery, he hobbled around the canyons for his seventh professional win at Torrey Pines. He has won six Buick Invitationals, including four straight.

"He's not normal," Mediate said. "He's way above everything."

Considering the pain, the spectacular shots he pulled off to finish 72 holes tied with Mediate, and with daughter Sam in his arms before the trophy presentation, Woods said, "This is probably the greatest tournament I've ever had."

"It's unreal," Woods said. "I understand why my dad was so emotional in 2002 when I won and I brought it back to him. I understand now that I'm a father how he felt, to have my daughter there and to have [wife] Elin there; it means so much more. It's not Father's Day, but it's close enough."

Woods claimed his 14th major victory in his 46th start. Nicklaus reached 14 in his 58th major. Woods has 28 top-10 finishes and only one missed cut in those 46 professional majors. Runner-up in 2005 and 2007, he has finished first or second in five of the last seven U.S. Opens.

Wincing after many shots, Woods looked like he might not make it through Saturday's round. But he shot 30 on the back nine. He struggled Sunday while shooting 73. His 12-foot putt caught the right edge of the 18th hole to force the playoff.

"I dealt with a few things this week and just had to keep plugging along," Woods said. "Through all that, all those ups and downs, I ended up being 1-under par for 91 holes; just an amazing week."

With his career nearing its end, Mediate, 45, was trying to become the oldest first-time major winner.

But on Monday, he bogeyed three of the first nine holes, and Woods charged to a three-shot lead. Instead of crumbling, Mediate made a charge with three straight birdies on the back nine. He held a one-shot advantage when they arrived at the par-5 18th.

Woods reached the green with his second shot. Mediate landed his third about 15 feet left of the pin. Woods two-putted for birdie from about 30 feet, and Mediate missed his birdie putt. In sudden death, Woods made a two-putt par, and Mediate missed an 18-foot putt to save par.

"It was a blast. I wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I'd be," Mediate said. "I'm disappointed I didn't beat him, but not upset. I gave him the best I had, and it wasn't quite good enough."

Mediate shouldn't feel bad, considering he lost to the greatest player who may have had his greatest performance.

"It's either this one or my first [major]," Woods said. "This week had a lot of doubt to it. I hadn't walked 18 holes until the first round here since Augusta. You just keep playing, whatever it is, you just keep going forward."