2008's US Open was arguably the most exciting golf I've ever seen. It started with Tiger's double bogey on the first hole on day one (shock #1) and ending with double overtime with golf world's most unlikely challenger - Rocky Rocco Mediate (shock #...I lost count!).
What made it so exciting, besides the fact that the world's number one was in a playoff with someone who had to qualify even to get into this major, was the fact that there were so many instances when you sat up or stood up in front of the TV and said, "DID YOU SEE THAT!"
Here are just a few things that made it the best US Open ever!
1. Torrey Pines provided a fabulous venue - what spectacular views! I sure hope they bring it back there again. I know one thing - I plan to play that course next January when I'm in San Diego before my cruise. I watched Tiger play there in February and was blown away by the course and that man's scary talent. I can't wait to reignite the feelings of this weekend by playing there myself.
2. Rocco took Tiger to 90 holes! He's 45 years old and if he would have won, he would have been the oldest player ever to win a major. He was 158 in the world's rankings. He was 126th on the money list. He hasn't won in the last 138 starts (I guess it's 139 now). His last win was 6 years ago. And what was really cool, was that the audience was cheering for him over Tiger! (according to The Golf Channel's poll).
3. Emotions were coming through the TV set. We really felt the pain of players - Tiger's knee pain (made me feel sick to watch him double over) - Phil's quad-bogey pain (my mouth went dry - I had to turn away) - Els's triple-bogey pain (I wanted to cry) - Westwood's final putt pain to miss the playoff (and Britain's chances for a win since Tony Jacklin). And we felt their joy - Tiger's joy on making it into the playoff - Els chipping it in when he couldn't make a putt all day - Rocco's joy at just being there!
4. It was anyone's tournament - the scores were so close through the entire weekend. At one point I was sure Jimenez was going to jump to the top of the leader board, then Els had many great chances (if he had just holed a few putts), then Westwood appeared to have it in the bag on Sunday. And of course, CinderFella himself, seemed to have a "leg up" on Tiger going into the 18th playoff hole 1 shot ahead. Who would have ever guessed it would come so close?
5. The Golf Digest US Open Challenge was a fun addition to the event. I had hoped for a little better outcome and more real golf, but it was still a great idea and Atkinson should be proud of the way he handled himself. I sure hope we see a ladies event like this someday soon (wink wink GFW :))
6. For the first time, I watched a PGA event and chatted online to all the fanatics out there in golf forum land at the same time. After every shot, someone was giving their two cents on the tournament or player. It was like a huge chat room - very exciting - very aggravating - very tense - but lots of fun! I felt connected with golfers all over the world. At one point there were 192 members on the US Open thread. That was cool!
7. But the best thing of all was "The Hug" - Tiger and Rocco in a bear hug. I felt like I was watching Tiger and his dad at the Masters or Tiger and Stevie when he won the Open after his dad had passed away. Brought tears to my eyes...
Well, it's good that majors don't happen every week. I don't think my nerves could stand it.
Congratulations to the 2 US Open champions - Tiger who now holds the trophy for the 3rd time and Rocco who captured our hearts forever.
Golfgal
Hey Gayle,
Thank you very much for more insights about the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
My uncle and cousin were at Torrey Pines yesterday watching the tournament. They both love golf and enjoy watching Tiger Woods play.
Kudos to Rocco for not giving up. He played outstanding. For 45 years old that says a whole lot.
They both are very talented golfers. Tiger is clutch and knows when to get it done. It was so exciting to watch today :)
kind regards,
Liz
Posted by: Liz1 | June 16, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Hi Liz
It was a magical US Open. I almost went - I wish so much now that I had. I have to go to SFO this week and felt that two trips to CA were too much, so close together (I had to come home inbetween). Now I think I was an idiot to miss it.
I hope others who were there will write about this event - especially those who stayed over for the final finale!
Gayle
Posted by: golfgal | June 17, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Hey Gayle,
It was definitely a magical U.S. Open! So exciting to watch.
SFO is about 2 hours away from where we live. Enjoy the stellar weather. It is supposed to be gorgeous in the bay area.
I will find about their experience of watching the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Hoping to hear something from them in the coming days and will report back.
Wish they were there for the finale, but I think they just went on Sunday(Father's day). The finale was incredible. That gallery was huge! Probably well over 50,000 people.
Liz
Posted by: Liz1 | June 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I heard from my family out in southern California. My cousin did get to see the 18 hole playoff and sudden death. He recieved two tickets from a fan who could not make it out the next day. He watched history in the making. What a great way to start the week off. Seeing Tiger Woods win his second U.S. Open in the same year.
Liz
Posted by: Liz1 | June 18, 2008 at 11:55 PM