I don't remember where I was when Kennedy was shot or when Elvis died, but I'll never forget the 2008 US Open. This played out more dramatically than a Walt Disney movie. (To confess, I was not born yet when Kennedy was shot, and I was just 7 or 8 when Elvis croaked.)
Tiger has won an unbelievable 14 major championships, but the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines is by far the most exciting and dramatic. Tiger began the tournament not even close to 100%, and because of an ailing left knee, he was far from being as prepared as he typically is for a major. In fact, many times during the tournament, Tiger could be seen wincing in pain and limping to his next shot.
By day's end on Sunday, a David vs. Goliath story had developed when an old guy emerged from the pack: Rocco Mediate, a 46-year-old who had a career plagued with his own injuries vs. the greatest player to pick up a golf club. The two would battle in an 18-hole playoff, the only playoff format of its kind on the PGA tour.
This is a fun DVD to watch. If you were lucky enough to catch this duel live, the DVD will bring back great memories of some incredible golf. However, this is more of a highlight reel than an actual recording of the tournament. Don't get me wrong; all the rounds are there, but it's edited so that the rhythm is much different than when you watched it live. Thus, a golf purist is going to be a bit disappointed.
If you really want to relive the event, please check out John Feinstein's book "Are You Kidding Me? The Story of Rocco Mediate's Extraordinary Battle with Tiger Woods at the US Open." This book is a terrific read. Jump on Rocco's bag as he retells all five rounds through one of the best sports writers of our time.
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