Tiger Woods' great last gasp of 2008: The U.S. Open in pictures

The 2008 U.S. Open started with talk over Torrey Pines and its ability to provide a championship test. It ended with Tiger Woods limping away with the USGA's shiny trophy, calling it "probably the best" of his 14 major championship victories. Woods will not be seen playing golf again until 2009, but people will be talking about what quickly became branded the greatest U.S. Open ever for a lot longer than that.

Whether it was Woods sinking two eagle putt bombs and a chip-in birdie in the back nine of his third round, grimacing all the way, runner-up Rocco Mediate's inspired, fan-chant-inducing play, Phil Mickelson's decision to go without his driver the first two rounds, or the crowds that kept filling Torrey Pines, this Open produced storylines galore. It took five days and 91 holes (including that 19-hole playoff Monday between Tiger and Rocco) to complete.

Here's a look back at one of the most unforgettable golf tournaments ever ...

Tiger Woods - U.S. Open - Torrey Pines - first round

The 2008 U.S. Open started with all eyes on Tiger Woods - and his surgically-repaired left knee.

Courtesy of the USGA

Phil Mickelson - U.S. Open - scoreboard

The leaderboard quickly turned against Phil Mickelson at the U.S. Open - thanks to a quadruple bogey in round two.

Courtesy of the USGA

Adam Scott - U.S. Open - Tiger-Phil

Adam Scott played the forgotten third in the USGA's dream Tiger-Phil pairing in rounds one and two.

Courtesy of the USGA

Rocco Mediate - U.S. Open

Fans at Torrey Pines took to chanting, "Rocco! Rocco!" as the graying 45-year-old Mediate made his run.

Courtesy of the USGA

Tiger Woods - Phil Mickelson group - U.S. Open

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson didn't talk much at all when they played together, but the crowds sure did.

Courtesy of the USGA

Tiger Woods - U.S. Open putts

Tiger Woods hit birdie putts on 18 both Sunday and Monday to keep himself alive.

Courtesy of the USGA

Tiger Woods - U.S. Open - sand save

The saves Tiger Woods made defined his U.S. Open more than any of the usual dominance.

Courtesy of the USGA

Tiger Woods - U.S. Open - knee

Tiger Woods' determination on his battered knee defined his 14th major championship.

Courtesy of the USGA

U.S. Open - Torrey Pines - crowd

Crowds filled Torrey Pines beyond capacity at the U.S. Open - to the tune of more than 50,000 a day on the weekend.

Courtesy of the USGA

Tiger Woods - U.S. Open - eagles

Eagles brought out some wild fist pumps from Tiger Woods in an Open of dramatic swings.

Courtesy of the USGA

Torrey Pines - U.S. Open - fourth hole

Torrey Pines' stood up in the scenery and dramatics department at the Open.

Courtesy of the USGA

Tiger Woods - U.S. Open - 18th hole birdie

A birdie on 18 to force the U.S. Open to a Monday playoff had Tiger Woods going wild with joy.

Courtesy of the USGA

Tiger Woods beats Rocco Mediate - U.S. Open finish

Rocco Mediate left "his heart" out on Torrey Pines, but still took second to Tiger.

Courtesy of the USGA

Torrey Pines - driving range - Open

The Torrey Pines driving range became the rare place a pro could get away at U.S. Open.

Chris Baldwin/WorldGolf.com

Kate Walsh - U.S. Open party

San Diego turned into a big party during the U.S. Open, with celebrities like Kate Walsh making appearances.

Kiel Christianson/WorldGolf.com

Annika Sorenstam - U.S. Open

Even retiring women's game icon Annika Sorenstam found time to party Open week.

Kiel Christianson/WorldGolf.com

Torrey Pines -18th hole pond - U.S. Open

Torrey Pines' short, par-5 finisher provided huge U.S. Open drama.

Kiel Christianson/WorldGolf.com

Tiger Woods - U.S. Open - winner grin

In the end, Tiger Woods was all smiles through the pain at the U.S. Open.

Kiel Christianson/WorldGolf.com