Wowzers, what a finish yesterday to the US Open. I wanted Tiger so badly to make his putt, but at the same time I almost wanted it not to fall because I so wanted Rocco Mediate to win. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Tiger fan. I have followed him since he was an amateur tearing it up. However- once you see an interview with Rocco, or just watch him play and interact with fans and his playing partners on the course, it's impossible to not root for him. At least for me. He seems like a happy, friendly, polite guy.
The polite thing was proven when Mediate gave one of the classiest interviews in sports right after Tiger forced the playoff- Mediate said that he knew it was going in-he's Tiger Woods, he's the best, that's what he does. The interviewer then asked something along the lines of "were you hoping that putt wouldn't go down" And Rocco seemed almost offended saying flat out NO, that he couldn't root against someone as it just wasn't in his nature.
In the end- Golf Fans win. At least I know I think I won. I get 18 more holes of golf (or more?) and I couldn't care LESS who wins. I want them both to win, I hope they both play well. Makes me miss hockey JUST A LITTLE LESS!!
In case you missed it, a little
youtube action from Tiger forcing a playoff on the 72
nd hole. WOW.
2 comments:
I missed most of the playoff today but was fortunate enough to see the 19th hole. Not exactly the way you expect a playoff with Tiger in it to end. Usually he clutches up and makes a putt to win.
Today, for the first time I can remember, I was cheering for the OTHER guy to win. Not Tiger.
Rocco from day 1 was a great personality and a great story. All the pins and US Open flair he was wearing, the comments already from the announcers saying Rocco claimed this tournament as his favorite, it made me cheer for him. Today I thought of Tiger's 13 previous wins and all his major wins to come, and how Mediate had never won before and might never win again.
I was FIRED UP at my TV when Rocco drained the long putt after Tiger had blasted out from the fairway bunker to 10 feet. I was saddened when his putt on the playoff didn't go in and it was over.
Here's hoping that this gives Rocco a jumpstart at 45, and that Tiger will win many more in the future....just not at Rocco's expense!
Thanks for the comments
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