I found myself rooting for Tiger Woods in the U.S. Open.
There is every reason in the world to like Rocco Mediate. He is funny, friendly and down-to-earth. It would have been a great story if he had won the title. It would have been great to see a guy who had toiled so long get his first major championship at the age of 45.
But as I watched Sunday’s final round and most of Monday’s playoff, I could not help rooting for Tiger. I know he can be kind of arrogant and boorish, but I enjoy watching him play. He makes the game look so easy.
I guess I am drawn to the historical aspect of it. We have the privilege to be watching perhaps the greatest golfer of all time in his prime.
And a quick word about the 18-hole playoff format for the U.S. Open. I hope they never change it. That is what makes the U.S. Open unique. And, on top of that, it is a much more fair way of determining the champion. You don’t lose the title on one bad shot or a terrible bounce.
Monday’s playoff round was a lot of fun.