2008 US Open Playoff
Chances are this one of the most memorable US Opens to date. A David versus Goliath 18 hole playoff which turned into a see saw battle from start to finish. In the end Tiger beat Rocco Mediate in the first hole of sudden death to win his 14th major title. Even though Rocco did not win I can see has gained a lot of confidence and can see him playing well for the next few months. Rocoo kept an unbelievable positive throughout the round and should be proud of the way played in this US Open.
With Tiger’s win has tied and made some new records. He and Jack Nicklaus share the distinction of winning the career slam 3 times each. Tiger has now become the first male professional to win a PGA Tour event 7 times on the same course (6 Buick Opens and 1 US Open), all at Torry Pines. He has also become the first golfer to win 2 different events at the same course in one year, 2000 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am and 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach and 2008 Buick Open and 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines. On top of that remains unbeatable after holding or sharing the 54 hole lead in a major (14 times).
In January I predicted that the 2008 Buick Open would be a preview of the 2008 US Open. In it I chose 5 players who though has a chance on winning the Buick and then go on to win the US Open. Jose Maria Olazabal and Charles Howell III did not play, Luke Donald withdrew on the 14 hole on Sunday after injuring his wrist earlier in the round, Phil Mickelson was in contention until he took a 9 on the par 5 13th hole on Saturday, and of course Tiger Woods who won both events.
Top three reasons why this US Open was one of the most memorable ever:
- First and foremost was The Playoff. David versus Goliath. #1 ranked player in the world taking on the #157 ranked player in the world. Tiger up by three strokes after 10 holes and Rocco coming back to make three birdies in a row and making a difficult downhill putt on 15 for the third birdie to take a one stroke lead. Tiger fighting back to birdie 18 to tie the 18 hole playoff and pouncing on his chance to win on the first sudden death playoff hole.
- Rocco attitude. His enjoy and cherish the moment is one of the attributes Dr Bob Rotella professes to all his students and in his golf psychology books. Rocco kept saying he was going make the most of the opportunity given to him and to never count him out. Even though Rocco did not win this will be one of his career highlights.
- Course Set Up. The US Open is notorious in setting up their golf course extremely difficult where even good shots could be penalized. Memories of Payne Stewart on the 18th green at the Olympic Club in 1998 just missing a putt and then have the ball do nearly a 180 degree turn and roll back and past where he was originally. The course was set up to be difficult but fair. No tricks or gimmicks were used to inflate scores. Bunkers played as they are supposed to as a hazard. Progressively longer rough to penalized extremely wild tee shot versus those that just missed the fairway.
What made this US Open memorable for you?
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It looks like Tiger could now be out for some time. My bet is though he will surpass Jack’s record of grand slams within 3 years.
what a comeback by tiger woods to win the US open
Tiger Woods is come back!!
Well, Tigers the god of golf is back. But i wonder if hes as good as before..
My vote goes to Tiger.
It’s fantastic what this man achieved. His mind is even more beyond his playing skills. It’s amazing how he won U.S Open with a torn ligament and stress fracture on his leg.
No doubt for me that he is still able to win
I was hoping Rocco would win it…i think he’s a great guy and that win would have made his entire career…for tiger its just another notch on his belt…o well
This was such an amazing Open to watch. Even my son now is hooked. We were routing for Rocco too, but Tiger was great - what can you say.
Way to go Tiger!!!
It was a truly amazing Open to watch. It was funny seeing people huddled around a TV at work watching golf.
This was such an amazing Open to watch.Really funny………..
That was one of the best opens ever in my opinion. Hope the next one is just as good…
By far the best Open ive seen in a long time, i believe it was because Tiger wasnt in the running this year which allowed other competitors to step up and give the audience a show right down to the wire, congrats for Rocco and Zach johnson!
i dont think i could have seen a better championship! i watched all 4 days from the first pen to the eighteenth and didnt miss a swing! being a golf pro i can really appreciate these guys going out and giving it there all!
Not sure what Franco is talking about. Tiger won this amazing golf match. IT was a delight to see.
This was an awesome open…Tiger limping around and still coming out with the W…Rocco had no chance..