Tiger Woods hung on long enough today, against Rocco Mediate, to win the U.S. Open and his 14th major championship while sharing the lead after 54 holes. Rocco Mediate made one of the most remarkable runs down the stretch, having been down 3 strokes today and then coming into the 18th hole ahead by one. Unfortunately for Rocco, Tiger Woods drove it longer on the 18th and tied it up.
After 18 holes, it was sudden death time and Tiger hung on longer than Rocco, who hit into the sand trap and then the gallery. Rocco had an opportunity to extend play by making his putt on the 7th hole, 19th hole played. After Rocco missed, Tiger claimed his 7th win at Torrey Pines, and his 3rd U.S. Open title today.
Tiger began fighting for the victory on Saturday with two eagles on the back nine, and Sunday by making a long put on the 18th hole to force an 18 hole playoff with Rocco Mediate today. What makes this win even more remarkable is Tiger Woods had surgery on his knee 8 weeks ago. In an interview after the match, Tiger said he will not play for a while to let his knee heal.