Tiger tamer Vegas stays on his dream PGA Tour ride

The dream ride taken by Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas on the 2011 PGA Tour showed no sign of stopping when he upstaged former world number one Tiger Woods.

Vegas, who won last week's Bob Hope Classic in only his fifth start on the US circuit, outscored Woods by five shots after they played together in the third round of the PGA event in San Diego.

The 26-year-old rookie from Maturin fired a three-under-par 69 to end a sun-kissed day at Torrey Pines three strokes off the lead while Woods tumbled out of contention with an erratic 74.

"It's been a lot of fun," the ever-smiling Vegas told reporters after three birdies in the last six holes gave him a nine-under total of 207 on a firm and fast-running South Course.

"It's always a lot of fun playing great and I feel like I'm playing pretty good golf right now. Today was an incredible day playing alongside Tiger Woods. I really enjoyed it a lot."

Vegas, who had not met Woods until this week, said he engaged the 14-times major champion in "some brief conversations" during the third round.

"Normal stuff, light stuff," he added. "But it was great just walking alongside of him. It's an honour just to be playing a round with Tiger Woods."

Asked how he had prepared for his first round in the company of the greatest player of this generation, Vegas replied: "I don't think you can prepare for that.