updated 8:20 p.m. ET Dec. 16, 2007

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Rory Sabbatini didn’t let the year end without getting under Tiger Woods’ skin one last time.

In a move that left players shaking their heads, Sabbatini withdrew from the final round of the Target World Challenge on Sunday because of “personal reasons,” making him the first player in the nine-year history of the event to leave early.

Sabbatini still received $170,000. He was in last place heading into the final round, 28 shots behind.

A locker room attendant, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information, said Sabbatini cleaned out his locker Saturday afternoon and gave away sweaters and shoes. He told them he was headed to Maui, where he spends his Christmas vacation.

His agent, Bud Martin, said Sabbatini told him he withdrew because of shin splints.

“He had shin splints that were bothering him yesterday,” Martin said after talking to Sabbatini on Sunday morning. “He went home overnight and worked on them with his trainer, and they weren’t getting any better. He said he wasn’t going to risk it.”

Tournament director Greg McLaughlin wasn’t informed until 8:30 a.m., although he had a hunch Sabbatini was leaving when he was checking out of the hotel and overheard the concierge trying unsuccessfully to book Sabbatini a limo for eight to get to the airport.

“We’re disappointed that he withdrew,” McLaughlin said. “It’s the first time in the history of the event that we’ve ever had a professional not complete four rounds of competition.”

By Sunday afternoon, McLaughlin still could not locate Sabbatini’s courtesy car. Paul Casey said he saw the South African loading up the car in the hotel parking lot.

“They don’t have any flights to Hawaii tonight?” Fred Couples said, shaking his head. “He’s messing with the wrong guy.”

Woods, the tournament host, shook his head when asked about Sabbatini on his way to the practice range. After winning by seven shots, he said he was trying to sort through conflicting reports.

“I’ve heard he had shin splints,” Woods said. “I heard he pulled out for personal reason. He packed his locker up at 3 o’clock yesterday, I think headed to Hawaii. A lot of different things going on. And I’d like to try and get to the bottom of it when I’m done here, and we’ll see what happens.”

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

Later, he was asked if he minded that Sabbatini left, and a cold stare spoke volumes.

PGA Tour officials said regulations allow for Sabbatini to collect unofficial last place money, typical of any tournament when a player withdraws on the weekend. In this case, the entire purse is unofficial, and last place pays $170,000.

“He should give that back to the foundation,” Couples said.

Sabbatini qualified for the 16-man field through his world ranking, which now is at No. 11. He finished at No. 6 on the PGA Tour money list with a career-high $4.5 million, but his year was best remembered for calling out Woods.

They played in the final round at the Wachovia Championship, where Woods overcame a one-shot deficit to win. Sabbatini, who had said he wanted Woods in the final group at Quail Hollow, said the following week that Woods looked as “beatable as ever.”

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands

“I’ve seen Tiger when he hits the ball well,” Sabbatini said. “I’ve seen him when he figures it out. It’s scary. I don’t want to see that anymore. I like the new Tiger.”

Woods responded by saying the “new Tiger” had three victories in 2007 at that point, “the same amount he’s won in his career.” Woods finished the season with seven victories.

MORE FROM GOLF

Golf Section Front

Tiger surges into Aussie Open lead Opinion: Lefty, rivals might regret tugging Tiger's tail Tiger's aura strong, at least outside the ropes Tour cards at stake in PGA finale at Disney McIlroy joining the US PGA Tour next year Ballesteros receives honorary membership at R&A O'Hair, Villegas tied for Kiwi lead Ochoa's player-of-year status on the line Faldo receives knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II Latest golf videos Golf Section Front   Add Golf headlines to your news reader: