In one of the best golf tournaments in the history of the sport, Tiger Woods did what Tiger Woods does, winning a playoff that everyone assumed he'd win, but never believed it till it was all over.
In what will go down as a classic battle between hero, Woods, and journeyman, Rocco Mediate, Tiger hung around while Mediate played some of the most inspired golf you could possibly play, making three birdies in his last six holes of regulation, forcing Woods to birdie the 18th to extend the tournament to sudden death.
On the 91st hole, Tiger hit a drive we haven't seen all week, the high bomb with no pain from the knee, flying the corner of the par-4 7th hole in the fairway, leaving himself just a nine-iron approach.
Rocco finally went away, but not without a little drama from an 18-foot par putt that slide by the hole.
Mediate was as impressive a competitor as Woods has faced in a major, hanging with him shot for shot, smiling the entire way. Woods is the best golfer that has ever played, but it's nice to see a guy that looks like, well, "a guy" compete with the best and nearly come through.
Tiger, you are truly amazing and nobody will ever doubt what you can do with a golf club ever again. Eight weeks off and a knee surgery didn't stop the Greatest Ever from claiming the toughest test in golf.
I think this might give a new meaning to "a case of the Mondays."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-16-2008 @ 4:54PM
lmz said...
i have never watched a whole golf turney.This was exceptional and i enjoyed Sunday and wouldn't miss Monday.Incredible game Tiger!!
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6-16-2008 @ 5:07PM
lbeptx said...
Tiger is the most clutch athlete ever...as well as the best golfer ever! I give alot of credit to Rocco...thanks to both for making this US Open the best golf tournament that I have ever seen.
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6-17-2008 @ 10:11AM
joann webb said...
Congradulations Tiger!! I knew your father was watching over you yesterday when you came from behind and made those fantastic, unbelieveable shots!! What a Father's Day, and true to form, you kept him up and working overtime!! I'm so happy to see you win this tournament and here's to many more!
Time to come home to Florida now for some rest. We will welcome you back. You're the greatest and we love you!
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6-16-2008 @ 5:27PM
A. Staten said...
Who cares! I think we are all about "Tiger-ed " out. Any professional athlete can play through pain if given enough medication. Sometimes, I think it would be nice for him to step aside, and let somebody else win for a change. He is so dominant that he leaves everyone else in the dust. He has already made enough money to retire 1000 times over. Give us a break already!!! For the good of the game? NOT
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6-16-2008 @ 9:11PM
wraith808 said...
Another whiner. So Tiger is to play less than his best so someone else can win? That takes away from all of his competitors- especially the ones who have beaten him. In a sport, everyone plays to win, and let whomever come out on top that does. That's what *real* sports is. Not 'stepping aside' and not giving everyone else the chance to test themselves against the current champ.
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