The San Diego Traveler

Tiger Takes It In Sudden Death Overtime

by Carole A. Lane on June 16th, 2008

If you think watching televised golf is a yawn, you sure weren’t watching the U.S. Open today - It was absolutely riveting! Torrey Pines made a gorgeous backdrop for what was probably the most exciting day of golf that I’m likely to see in this lifetime. (I should admit that I don’t watch a lot of golf, so it’s a safe bet, but today’s round really was high drama.)

When Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate began the 18-hole playoff this morning, Woods was obviously the favorite, seeking his 14th major championship and third U.S. Open trophy. Limping a bit, Woods was still recovering from his latest knee surgery, and this added to the drama, making him appear more vulnerable than we’re used to seeing the champion.

Mediate, on the other hand, was looking to become the oldest winner of the U.S. Open at 45. Before this week, he had never been a serious contender for a major golf championship. Mediate was the definite underdog.

When both Woods and Mediate finished today’s neck-and-neck 18 hole playoff with even-par scores of 71, they sent the match into sudden death overtime, and like San Diegans and golf-lovers everywhere, I just couldn’t leave the screen.

It became increasingly difficult to decide whom to cheer for; the newscasters made Mediate and Woods both sound so likeable, even admirable. They moved on to the 7th hole, and right down to the last stroke, it could have gone either way. Rocco missed the last putt, thereby giving the match to Tiger, but their camaraderie was still evident. It was like watching two old friends just playing a round of golf together, and heading off to the clubhouse for a beer. Goodness knows they earned one.

If you’ve never watched golf, the 108th U.S. Open was the tournament to see. If you missed it, catch it on the Golf channel. It’s as exciting as golf gets.

Photo #1 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/71707869@N00/2574458308/
Photo #2 credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/flash716/2578237127/

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