The Greatest US Open Ever?

Those who watched at Torrey Pines will tell kids they 'were there when'

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2008 9:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – The 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines will go down as the epic tournament that Tiger Woods won on one leg, writes Pat Forde for ESPN, both because of the spellbinding golf and the characters who shaped the 5-day contest. The champ faced off with the 45-year-old chatterbox in myriad do-or-die situations in a battle that will go down in the history books.

Woods twice faced a must-sink putt on the 18th hole, and bagged an astonishing two eagles and a birdie in six holes on Saturday. Rocco Mediate, happy just to scare Tiger, refused to let the tournament end by staying in stride with the gimpy champion as fans hummed the "Rocky" theme. But in the end, Forde writes, Woods "managed to top himself, with the assistance of Mediate, in the greatest US Open ever."

Tiger Woods reacts after sinking a birdie putt on the 18th green forcing a playoff against Rocco Mediate during the fourth round of the US Open championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Tiger Woods is congratulated by Rocco Mediate following his US Open championship victory after a sudden death hole following an 18-hole playoff round for the at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Monday. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Rocco Mediate, left, laughs with Tiger Woods after Woods' playoff victory at the US Open at Torrey Pines. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Rocco Mediate waves to the gallery as he walks up the 18th fairway during a playoff round for the US Open championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Monday, June 16, 2008 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Tiger Woods blasts out of a bunker on the third hole during a playoff round for the US Open championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Monday, June 16, 2008 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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The Greatest US Open Ever?

Those who watched at Torrey Pines will tell kids they 'were there when'

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Woods Wins US Open on 19th Hole

World No. 1 blows big lead in 18-hole playoff, then wins in sudden death

Gimp Can't Hold Tiger Back

Woods stays ahead of the field and in the red at Torrey Pines

The Real US Open Matchup Is Fan vs. Fan

Tiger devotees and Mickelson maniacs are polar opposites

Torrey Pines is a Beautiful Beast

Carefully planned US Open course might be tough, but it's fair

Golf's Top 3 to Tee Off Together at US Open

Mickelson (No. 2) and Scott (3) will play first 2 rounds with Tiger

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The Greatest US Open Ever?

Those who watched at Torrey Pines will tell kids they 'were there when'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

golf • Tiger Woods • US Open • Torrey Pines • Rocco Mediate • playoff • US Open Golf

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Woods Wins US Open on 19th Hole

World No. 1 blows big lead in 18-hole playoff, then wins in sudden death

Gimp Can't Hold Tiger Back

Woods stays ahead of the field and in the red at Torrey Pines

The Real US Open Matchup Is Fan vs. Fan

Tiger devotees and Mickelson maniacs are polar opposites

Torrey Pines is a Beautiful Beast

Carefully planned US Open course might be tough, but it's fair

Golf's Top 3 to Tee Off Together at US Open

Mickelson (No. 2) and Scott (3) will play first 2 rounds with Tiger

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Newser By Users

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