Tiger woods biography 2008 us open golf torrey pines

He won by eight shots to claim a fourth-straight victory in the event. He had won seven times in eight starts and was so far ahead at the top of the world rankings, he had double the points of anybody else. Rocco Mediate would probably have agreed. There would be no change at the Buick Invitational; he missed the cut comfortably with a second round of He was two over through two rounds, 14 behind Woods.

Who would have guessed that these would be the two men left standing in an epic battle for the US Open at the same venue five months later? It seemed even more fanciful when Tiger went for knee surgery after finishing second at The Masters. With the US Open only 58 days away, his participation was doubtful.

Tiger woods 2008 u.s. open injury

The Memorial gave Mediate cause for optimism, as he battled through testing conditions to finish in a tie for sixth — his best result of the year by some distance. But US Open qualifying was going to be tough. A field of players gathered for the hole event, with just 23 places available. After the two rounds, Mediate was four-under and in a tie for 17th with ten other players.

Eleven men and seven spots meant a play-off. Showing great nerve, Mediate made it through with a birdie at the first extra hole. He was going to California.