Runaway leader Woods wary of tricky Sherwood layout

THOUSAND OAKS, California (Reuters) - Tiger Woods is overwhelming favorite to win his eighth title of the year at the Target World Challenge but wary of a Sherwood Country Club layout where danger lurks on virtually every hole.

"You can make some mistakes out there pretty quickly and pay a price for it," the world number one told reporters after stretching his overnight lead to six strokes with a five-under-par 67 in Saturday's third round.

"I can only take care of my responsibility, go out there and play. Hopefully, a clean round of golf and not give any shots back, not let these guys back in the tournament.

"I still need to go out there, make a couple of birdies and stay away from any mistakes."

Woods has not lost a tournament since turning professional in 1996 when leading by more than a stroke after 54 holes.

On the PGA Tour, the 13-times major champion has triumphed 41 times out of 44 when holding at least a share of the lead going into the final round.

Although comfortably ahead of the chasing pack, Woods has great respect for his closest challengers, former major winners Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson.

Furyk lies second after carding a 69 and fellow American Johnson is a further stroke back in third at 11 under, also after a 69.

GREAT ROUND

"Jim is capable of shooting a great round and Zach is there as well," Woods said. "Zach can go low, and proved that at the Tour Championship this year."

Masters champion Johnson fired a dazzling 10-under-par 60 in the third round of the Tour Championship in September before finishing joint second behind winner Woods.

However, both Furyk and Johnson accept their own chances of victory are exceedingly slim.

"He's a great front-runner," Furyk said of the game's leading player. "He's been in this position so many times and you know you're going to have to fire a low number to try and put some heat on him.

"He knows when to throttle back, put a two-iron in the fairway. He's very, very difficult to catch."

For Johnson, who won twice on this year's PGA Tour, the tournament is all but over.

"What's Tiger at -- 18 under? What am I, 11? That's too far," he said. "Part of it is who's in front of you. It shouldn't be part of it but, when it comes to one individual, that's part of it.

"On a golf course like this, six shots is probably too much," added the American, who held off a last-day charge by Woods to win the Masters in April. "But that's okay."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)