In June 2000, Tiger Woods delivered a golf performance that redefined excellence at the U.S. Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links. With an impressive 72-hole score of 12-under 272, Woods achieved a historic victory, finishing 15 strokes ahead of his nearest competitors, Ernie Els and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, who both ended the tournament at 3-over par. This remarkable feat not only showcased Woods’ dominance but marked one of the most memorable moments in golf history.
Woods began the last round with a closing, bogey-free 67. This beautiful score helped him buoy his lead throughout the tournament and secure his place at the top. His performance exuded clarity, brilliance and authority. It resulted in a breathtaking collection of tricks that thrilled judges, spectators and competitors alike. The U.S. Open victory remains a benchmark for aspiring golfers and a testament to Woods’ extraordinary skills on the course.
A Dominant Lead
Woods’ unmatched total control of his game was on full display throughout the tournament. He opened with a spectacular electric round, ending bogey-free at 6-under 65. This stellar showing left him one stroke in front as he entered the dramatic finish. He put on an incredible show, capped off by a ridiculous tee shot on the seaside, cliffside par-3 seventh hole. With excruciating accuracy on the line, he pitched it within five feet of the pin and converted another birdie putt with confidence, vaulting to 8-under par.
Woods had a tough enough task, as dense fog moved into the area during the afternoon of the final round. Still, he had to keep a cool head. Steve Williams, his then caddie, underscores one fateful decision. Imagine you’re about to tee off in the final round of the Masters, and you just noticed you only have one golf ball remaining.
“When we got to the tee, and I put my hand in the bag, there were only three balls,” Williams said. “I didn’t know why; there should have been half a dozen.”
Woods decided to keep that bit of news to himself, not wanting to put any additional pressure on his performance with such news. Instead, he focused on playing his game and leaving nothing to chance.
Strategic Decisions and Practice
More than mere luck, preparation made all the difference between success and failure at the U.S. Open for Woods. In the days heading into the tournament, he had grueling masters rounds with fellow competitor and close friend Mark O’Meara. During these sessions they worked to shape Woods’ game and state of mind as he readied for the weekend challenges posed by Pebble Beach.
On the driving range, Woods was diligent about his practice routine, hitting balls under the watchful eye of swing coach Butch Harmon. Williams explained their philosophy was to avoid burning out before the games even started.
“We didn’t want Tiger to overdo it before the tournament started because both of us had never seen him strike the ball with such precision and just the way he was shaping the shots,” Williams explained.
Throughout the tournament, as Woods was coming up on important holes, he often turned to Williams for strategic plays and guidance. On one occasion, Williams suggested using a 2-iron off the tee for better control, showcasing their collaborative approach to achieving victory.
A Historic Finish
When Woods neared the title, he had to deal with some of the toughest conditions that would test even the best of golfers—strong winds. Still, he was able to accomplish that, posting an even-par 71 on a day when Pebble Beach’s greens dried out and everything wicked quick. His performance throughout the event left him with a staggering 10-stroke lead heading into the final round—this margin marking the largest 54-hole lead in U.S. Open history.
He threw his last ball to an elated young fan after making par on the 13th green. This gesture highlighted not only his triumph but his connection with fans, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship that golf promotes.
Woods’ performance that week not only solidified his place in golf history but set a standard for excellence that resonates through generations of players. His ability to leave with “an exclamation mark,” as described by Williams, was evident as he completed his historic run at Pebble Beach.
“Everybody else wanted to mark the ball and come back the next day. But, you know, Tiger likes to leave with an exclamation mark,” Williams stated.
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