Tiger Woods reclaimed the top spot in the world golf rankings Sunday by cruising to a three-shot victory in the Western Open.

Woods fired a 71 in the final round to finish at 15 under, three shots ahead of Canadian Mike Weir.

The victory was Woods' fourth of the year -- counting his triumph in May's TPC of Europe in German -- and will help him move past David Duval once the world ranks are announced Monday morning. Duval had overtaken Woods after a torrid start to the season.

But Woods has been hot in the past two months. He won the Buick Invitational in February, then went into a slight slump. Woods began to bounce back by winning the TPC of Europe in May and followed with a victory in the Memorial in June.

Victory No. 4 came on the Fourth of July.

Part of the key for Woods was his short game. He amazed the galleries with his escape acts when he landed in trouble near the greens.

His play on Cog Hill's par-5s also was essential. He birdied three out of four in Sunday's round.

Weir, seeking his first victory on the PGA Tour, made five birdies in his final round. But he also bogeyed three holes on the back nine.

Brent Geiberger finished third at 11 under. Vijay Singh was next at 10 under.