Ranking the 15 best wins in career of Tiger Woods
By Tim Letcher
7. 2008 U.S. Open
At the 2008 U.S. Open, Woods was a heavy favorite, despite the fact that he had been limited in his ability to practice due to an ongoing knee injury. Still, the 13-time major champion was the man to beat, especially with the tournament being played at Torrey Pines, one of Woods’ favorite tracks.
On day one, Woods shot a 1-over par round of 72 and found himself trailing leaders Justin Hicks and Kevin Streelman by four shots. However, Woods would make up lots of ground on Friday, shooting a 3-under par 68 to pull within a shot of 36-hole leader Stuart Appleby.
On Saturday, Woods continued to battle his faulty knee, but was able to take the lead with a 1-under par 70. His aggregate total of 3-under par was one better than Lee Westwood and two better than Rocco Mediate through 54 holes.
On Sunday, Woods saw a 54-hole lead in a major disappear for the first time in his career. His 2-over par round of 73 left him tied with Mediate at 1-under par. The tie would force an 18-hole playoff on Monday.
In the Monday playoff, Woods trailed by a shot heading to the 18th hole. There, in true Tiger fashion, he birdied, forcing a sudden death playoff with Mediate. On the first hole of the playoff, Woods recorded a par while Mediate had a bogey, giving Woods his 14th major title.
More amazingly, two days after the win, it was revealed that Woods had won the event on a partially broken leg and with a torn ACL.