Play was suspended at the U.S. Open on Sunday due to heavy rain, meaning NBC had to get creative to fill time on the broadcast – and the network turned to Tiger Woods
Even though he wasn’t playing, Tiger Woods somehow became a major topic of discussion during the final round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont.
Play was halted at 4:04 p.m on Sunday due to heavy rain battering the Pittsburgh-area course, leaving NBC with airtime to fill. The producers resorted to a reliable strategy to keep viewers engaged, airing some archival footage of Woods, who had an unlikely role in JJ Spaun’s triumph.
The 15-time major champion continues to captivate audiences like no one else, even now as a 49 year old dealing with injuries from a high-speed car crash in 2021. Woods hasn’t participated in any tournaments this year after tearing his Achilles in March.
However, with the action at Oakmont paused due to the weather, viewers were more than content to revisit one of Woods’ greatest victories: the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
NBC broadcasted highlights, beginning with the third round where Woods, despite a knee injury, closed in on 54-hole leader Lee Westwood. Rocco Mediate was also in contention, and by the end of the final round, the six-time PGA Tour winner had a one-shot lead on the South Course in San Diego.
Sporting his signature Sunday red polo, Woods delivered one of his most memorable moments on the 72nd hole, sinking a 12-foot birdie putt to force an 18-hole playoff, all while playing on one functional leg.
During their nail-biting fifth rounds at Torrey Pines, Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate wrapped up with identical even-par 71s, leaving them deadlocked.
The stalemate was finally broken when Woods claimed victory on the opening hole of sudden death, sinking his par as Mediate carded a bogey.
As the replayed triumph flooded the airwaves, Woods’ name rocketed into the top 10 U.S. trends on X, with “2008 US Open” also hitting the top 20. Social media users jumped at the chance to revel in the nostalgia and have their say.
One enthused fan declared: “This U.S. Open comeback for Tiger Woods is insane. Dude wasn’t even in contention a few hours ago. I’m so glad my son gets to see this Tiger in real time. We’ll remember this forever. What a Father’s Day moment.”
Another quipped: “Dads taking their naps are going to be so surprised when they wake up and Tiger wins the U.S. Open,” while someone else commented: “Let’s be honest, isn’t watching old school Tiger Woods highlights what most dads wanted to do today anyway? Happy Father’s Day to all the dads who got their wish.”
The action picked back up at Oakmont at 5:40 p.m. ET as JJ Spaun emerged victorious to claim his first major triumph.
