Tiger Woods‘s 15 major wins have significantly contributed to earning him the title of GOAT. Among those victories, his four PGA Championship wins hold significance. With the 2024 PGA Championship approaching, one may ponder: among his PGA Championship triumphs, are there any with captivating stories? There just might be.
Tiger Woods, at the peak of his form, engaged in a memorable battle against Bob May in the 2000 PGA Championship. It’s remembered for Woods’ iconic display of skill and determination at Valhalla. As Woods sank a birdie putt on the 72nd hole, he rolled the ball, chased after it on tiptoes, and pointed as it barely snuck in on the left side, leading to a three-hole playoff with May.
Conversely, May’s impressive performance, with a final round score of 66 to Woods’ 67, led to a playoff between the two. Despite falling short, May’s strong showing earned him the title of “Tiger’s rival” for pushing Woods to a three-hole playoff, where he lost by just one shot. While it’s a memorable tournament for both, it’s also left a haunting mark on May. Approached in 2014, a full 14 years later, May revealed that the events of 2000 still linger as haunting memories for the former pro.
The 56-year-old began by saying, “Every time I play with one of my friends at home, if they hit a putt and they know it’s going in they’ll take off running like that, pointing at the ball.” He went on to disclose, “No one realizes how much that point has haunted — not really haunted, but taunted — me with friends. I get that everyone that does it to me as a joke.” Although May perceives it as a joke, it appears to have created an enduring haunting experience in his mind.
The disclosure wasn’t the sole revelation that surfaced in 2014 before the PGA Championship. Around that time, the Golf Channel aired “Golf’s Greatest Rounds-2000 PGA Championship,” which garnered considerable acclaim from fans. Many expressed sentiments like “That was the greatest tournament I’ve ever seen,” as May disclosed to Golf Digest. “I’ll never forget it, when I finished, [CBS’] Ken Venturi and Jim Nantz telling me how spectacular it was and that it would go down as one of the great duels in history,” said May reminiscing about the 2000 PGA Championship final round.
After winning the 2000 PGA Championship, Woods went on to secure two more PGA Championships consecutively in 2006 and 2007. With these victories, he now holds four PGA Championship titles. Now a question arises: will he be there in the fight this year to be able to clinch his fifth title, and 16th major overall?
Will Valhalla witness Tiger Woods in action?
Despite his worst Masters finish this year, the pro labeled it a “good week.” Tiger Woods powered through the Augusta showdown despite health issues and pain. He completed all four rounds, and stunned everyone with his perserverance. Following his 100th round at the Masters, speculation emerged about whether the 49-year-old can still compete in the season’s next major.
Shortly after, he responded, advising to “keep lifting, keep the motor going, keep the body moving, keep getting stronger, and keep progressing.” Woods, showing enthusiasm, disclosed his plans for doing his “homework going forward at Valhalla, Pinehurst, and Troon,” asserting his “game plan.” So, Tiger Woods will be in the event, and his fans will be hoping to see his roaring return!
