In the beginning of 2008 Tiger Woods was coming into the US Open with three victories in four tournaments to start the year. He was more confident about his game then ever and he knew the golf course extremely well. Torrey Pines was a course Tiger won more tournaments on then any other course. He won four Junior World Titles followed by six PGA Tour wins. He knew the greens very well and he has always been so comfortable. Tiger though was dealing with a problem and it wasn't his golf game or personal issue but the torn left ACL knee.
As he got to the golf course a week early from the actual tournament he continued his normal major championship routine. Practiced his swing for an hour, putting and chipping for an hour then playing nine holes. His preparation was painful and hard on his body but Tiger was more determined then ever to win this championship. He was looking forward to this open championship being here and he wanted to play no matter what.
As the tournament began and he started playing there was constant pain throughout the entire first day of competition. He was able to post a respectable 1 over par score of 73 and had constant work on that knee from his trainer. After the first day the pain continue to grow along with his treatment. His practice was non-existent, having to rest after each round making sure he was able to play the following day. As the second round was beginning the pain was so tough that Tiger needed pain killers just to be able to walk the demanding South Course. As the round progressed he was able to shot a beautiful five under par 30 on the front side and a 2 over par backside making his 2nd round score of 68 be a top the field. As Saturday was coming a long and Tiger was able to have a later tee time he has able to ice his knee and get treatment on it for 2 hours before his round started. Something that was desperately in need of knowing that only 20 percent of his cartilage was left and diminishing by days end. This was more than having the will to win but being mentally strong and continuing to play constantly on that leg was extremely brave.
As the third round began Tiger started off kind of slow but was able to shot a 1 under 70 thanks too two eagles on the backside. It was one of the coolest images of the week seeing Tiger make a 70 sliding bomb on thirteen and a twenty footer on eighteen. Tiger looked very calm and was ready to win his 14th major championship against his buddy and fan favorite Rocco Mediate. Tiger was 3 under for the championship and had a two shot lead over Rocco coming into the final round of competition. This was turning into one of the best and most interesting final rounds in US Open history.
As they both teed of the first tee the anticipation of this final paring was so exciting to everyone watching. The people's champion who everyone is cheering for Rocco Mediate against, goliath in Tiger Woods. As their rounds progressed it was Rocco who started of the round more consistent then Tiger shooting an even par front side while Tiger shot a two over. As the final nine holes were coming to end Tiger needed to make a ten footer down the hill to tie Rocco at one under par for the championship. Knowing Tiger when the pressure is on he is able to come through in the clutch moments. He was able to sing the putt and continue a playoff which he won in dramatic fashion. It was considered the best major championship drama ever by Golf Digest and all golf fans all over the world. It was just another Tiger Woods moment in a career that is filled with successful major championship victories. He has essential able to win the tournament will just one leg. Now we know that Tiger, yes is mentally tough but also physically tough also.
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