Tiger Wins U.S. Open In Sudden Death

In the most entertaining 19 holes of golf I have ever witnessed, Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate to win the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

This started as a Cinderella story for Rocco Mediate. A 45 year old who hasn't won a tournament in six years and has never won a major championship. He held a one stroke lead on Sunday until the 18th hole, when Tiger drilled a birdie putt to force an 18-hole playoff today. Many analysts labeled this a “David vs. Goliath” match up, and on paper it certainly was. Tiger and Rocco battled all day passing the lead back and forth. At one point, Tiger held a three-stroke lead after 11 holes. Mediate, with his back against the wall, came back to tie and eventually take the lead all the way to the par five 18th. After missing a difficult eagle putt, Woods birdied the hole. Mediate had a chance to seal it with a birdie putt, but pulled it slightly left and settled for par.

Woods played conservatively on the sudden death hole after out-driving Mediate and finding the fairway. Tiger two-putt for to make par and put the pressure on Rocco who had to sink an arduous par putt to tie, could not come through.

You have to tip your hat to Rocco Mediate. He stuck with the best player in the world for 19 bonus holes at a major championship. Rocco prior to this event, was ranked 158th in the world. This is a great story and certainly one for the history books.

Tiger Woods was able to win his third U.S. Open and keep his perfect record when leading on Sunday (14-0). This was Tiger’s first tournament since returning from knee surgery, and injury that showed itself early and often during the first two days. It is exciting to see Tiger being challenged because it such a rare occurrence. If there is one thing the rest of the field learned today, it’s that Tiger does not crumble under pressure. He delivered stunning shot after stunning shot on Saturday to gain the lead, and knocked down a clutch putt to end the day Sunday. This win definitely means a lot for Tiger, coming just one day after Father’s day.

-Brian B