This Week at WorldGolf.com: June 17, 2008
 |
|
 |
|
At Torrey, Tiger Woods wins greatest U.S. Open ever over guy who lost to Tiger Woods
Don't get me wrong. Tiger Woods' playoff victory over Rocco Mediate made this the greatest U.S. Open of all time. We are contractually obligated to write that at least once, mind you. Reporting from Torrey Pines, Chris Baldwin actually had to write it twice.
It was a heck of a day at Torrey Pines South and Tiger Woods once again showed why this era belongs to him. Maybe, just maybe, however, the televised coverage could of, at least once or twice, made mention of Rocco Mediate.
Because for those of us watching in TV land, the three ESPN talking heads were in "all-Tiger, all-the time" mode. Were you aware that Tiger never lost a 54-hole lead in a major? Or that Southern California is his home? Because let me tell you, I'm aware. Ridiculously aware.
Because they were really, openly gushing over Tiger. It was kind of sad. Do I ever sound like that? I hope not. If I do, I'm so, so sorry.
The final few holes of this U.S. Open could have gone down as some of the greatest had Woods been playing against someone.
When Tiger missed his long eagle putt at 18, you could almost hear the air sucked out of the room, so sure were they he would make it. When Mediate lined up his much-shorter putt for the win, they announcers had already moved on to talking about the sudden-death holes.
In the end, Rocco Mediate put on a great show, keeping up with a guy that out drives him by hectares. He showed great course management and an ability to rise to the occasion by coming back to force Tiger to battle back over the 18 playoff holes.
The final hole was Mediate's undoing, however, as he found the sand with his tee shot and was unable to scramble back.
"Will the Cinderella story end?" asked one of ESPN's announcers to no one in particular. It did, but it would have been nice to hear a little more about the Cinderella in question along the way.
As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments. |
 In winning major No. 14 at a U.S. Open for the ages, Tiger Woods finally feels the nerves
It's all about incredible shots, unforgettable memories and history. In a U.S. Open set up to produce dramatics, Tiger Woods exceeded everyone's expectations while moving within four majors of Jack Nicklaus' all-time record 18.
Blog: U.S. Ryder Cup squad has its first alternate, Rocco
 Column: Reggie Jackson plays dork for Tiger, as Rocco helps the worlds' best share the joy
After leaving Rocco Mediate's heart "all over that golf course," Tiger took a little bit of Rocco with him to the trophy ceremony. The greatest golfer in history shared his joy, doing what Rocco's been doing all week, all his life, really. Even Reggie Jackson, another cold-blooded sports killer, has to admit it was beautiful to see.
Also: Let's hear it for Torrey Pines' closing hole
| Four Seasons Resort at Troon North |
 Enjoy your stay at Four Seasons Resort at Troon North and play 1 rounds of golf per day at any of these courses, choosing from Troon North Monument, Troon North Pinnacle, Grayhawk Raptor, Grayhawk Talon, TPC Stadium, TPC Champions, Wildfire Palmer and Wildfire Faldo, Talking Stick North, Talking Stick South, We Ko Pa Cholla, and We Ko Pa Saguaro, starting from $165.
Price Range: $165 - $610
Dates: May 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
For details, call 1-800-767-3574 or click here. |
 Pumpkin Ridge's Ghost Creek yields Portland's best golf and some lucky bounces
Ghost Creek is widely considered Portland's top public golf course. It's also the most expensive, but features country club-like conditions and a walker-friendly layout. In fact, you're better off walking here, because carts are on paths only for daily play, which makes riding more of a nuisance than convenience. The result, however, is prime playing surfaces and thick rough - not to mention great hole variety in a traditional parkland setting.
Gallery: Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club's Ghost Creek course
|
|
