 While
the rest of the field was playing for second place, Tiger Woods took aim at the record
books. When the final putt fell, Woods owned his third major championship, along with the
kind of records no one imagined possible. Tiger
Woods is a legend in his own time. He has shattered many records, seemingly with ease.
He became the first player in the 106-year history of the
U.S. Open to finish 72 holes at double digits under par -- 12 under.
His 15-stroke victory not only shattered the Open mark of
11 set by Willie Smith in 1899, but was the largest ever in a major championship,
surpassing the 13-stroke victory by Old Tom Morris in the 1862 British Open.
His 272 tied the lowest score ever in a U.S. Open, first
set by his idol, Jack Nicklaus, in 1980 and later matched by Lee Janzen in 1993. Both
those came at Baltusrol, which played as a par 70.
"Records are great, but you don't really pay attention
to that," Tiger Woods said. "The only thing I know is I got the trophy sitting
right next to me. To perform the way I did, and on one of the greatest venues in golf, it
doesn't get much better than that." |
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