AP Sports Writer

LA QUINTA, Calif. — Somebody had to win the Skins Game.

So why not Mr. Skins himself?

Fred Couples continued his amazing run in the Thanksgiving weekend tournament, prevailing in four playoff holes over Tiger Woods to claim the final three skins and $340,000, and win his record fifth Skins Game with a total of $640,000.

Couples won all his money on Sunday, starting with a birdie putt worth $300,000 and eight skins on the first hole. He finally won the tournament after Woods’ tee shot went into the water on the last playoff hole, the par-3, 204-yard 17th at Trilogy Golf Club on a cold, windy day in the desert.

Although the Silly Season tournament turned serious — Woods hit the ground with an iron and both players looked tight after missing putts that would have won it — Couples and Woods jokingly walked arm-in-arm down the final fairway.

All Couples had to do to win it was two-putt.

Couples, 45, has won a record $3,515,000 and 77 skins in 11 appearances in the made-for-TV tournament.

Woods finished second with five skins and $310,000, more money than he won in his previous four Skins Games combined.

After making a sensational Skins Game debut last year, Annika Sorenstam was shut out this time. She and Aussie Adam Scott were eliminated on the first playoff hole.