That 07 US Open is one of those final rounds that the “Tiger never missed” types conveniently forget. He was two back going into the final round with only Aaron Baddeley ahead of him and Bads absolutely lit himself on fire, making triple at the first and shooting 80.
It was a tough day at Oakmont, but then most are. Tiger doubled the third to give up the lead he’d inherited, made his only birdie of the day at 4, and made another bogey at 11. Otherwise he was simply in neutral all day while Cabrera was out in front taking the tournament and Furyk was at least making a run at it. Cabrera bogied 16 and 17 and was several holes ahead of the final group, which meant Tiger had a few holes left to play where he could make birdie to tie, including the short 17th. And yet he was just so out of sorts it never really felt like he was going to get it done on that day. Furyk felt like the more likely challenger.
It is a really interesting tournament to revisit and rewatch - which I am sure many people will this year since we’re going back to Oakmont - because it feels like Tiger should have won this. He ends up T2 just a shot back and was T1 after 55 holes thanks to Baddeley’s immolation. But in a weird way it never feels like he’s going to do it. He never gives himself a great look on the way in.
The transition that @kvv pinpoints in going from the son to father in the Masters connection really hit home.
An annual text thread with my stepdad remains a tradition I continue to appreciate. Memories of almost dropping my 8 mo old son after Phil’s 2004 putt and subsequent leap will be a top memory always. Thanks for this!
Called my grandfather (now 85) and asked him about his Masters memories- was pretty cool to hear him talk about watching Arnold Palmer and comparing him in his prime to Tiger.
Same, Bagger. Lost my Dad when I was 15 and hearing KVV’s phone call with his Dad really, really hit home for me. Quite a few Sundays as a youth were him and I watching the final round of whatever tournament was on.
After finishing the pod I mulled over the idea of calling my Dad to tell him about the most memorable Masters for me.
I felt like it would be too awkward and he would think I was being weird but then I came to the realization that I am lucky that that is a call I can still make and I did.
Explained what prompted my call and that for me without hesitation it was 2019. And not because Tiger won. It was because I vividly remember sitting with him in his living room while he was holding my 5 month old son. The moment stood out to me so much in that time that I took a photo of the two of them.
While I’m sure in his mind it came out of left field, I’m glad I called.
Excellent work as always KVV. 97 Masters watching with my grandpa who taught me the game, my Dad, and Uncles will live with me forever. This was my love letter I wrote about the game over 10 years ago and still resonates with me Golf: It's More Than Just a Hobby – @ldigian on Tumblr
Loved this. Watching The Masters has always been a great tradition in my family, stewarded by my grandfather during his life.
So many good memories of sitting on the floor in his living room keeping out of the way of the TV, betting pennies on Tiger while my grandfather took the field… Still bad at gambling to this day…