One. Two. Valhalla. The clock is ticking fast. As the golf world was just recovering from Tiger Woods’s 24th consecutive cut made at the 2024 Masters, the PGA Championship scheduled at the Valhalla Golf Course seems to be knocking at the golf world’s door. Interestingly enough, Tiger Woods seems all set to fulfill his resolve to destroy the Sunday Red logo by adding another stripe to it this coming weekend.
However, amidst the hours of practice, preparatory scouting trips, and continued entertainment, it’s important not to forget all the unbelievable moments the 4-time PGA Champion has delivered throughout his professional history! Here are some unforgettable moments that will leave your mouth agape and hearts racing in anticipation, of all of this is possible in the days to come if the stars’ health prevails.
Ever since Woods had his maiden victory at the PGA Championship in 1999, the star’s connection with the event has made many headlines. The 2000 edition of this major played a key role in a young Woods achieving the well-known Tiger Slam. Surely, then, a symbiotic relationship like this one deserves extrapolation.
1. Steamy Tiger
The heat in St. Louis in August 2018 was extra high at the Bellerive Golf Course. After all, the event saw the GOAT of the golf world change his shirt four times during the third round on Saturday. “New shirt, new round,” was the roar surrounding the golf world as this change into an identical shirt boosted Woods’s otherwise sulking game.
After the “steamy” change of clothing, the talented pro transitioned from a bogey on the par-4 10th and a double bogey on the par-4 11th to hit his first fairway, resulting in a birdie on the 12th. Then, who wouldn’t believe in the insane amounts of sports world superstitions?
2. When a young fan passed out after seeing Woods
The St. Louis summer heat coupled with the sight of a steamy 82-time PGA Tour winner is not for everyone. At the sight of his favorite, a young fan of Woods’ passed out before the star teed it up on the 12th hole.
However, after giving a momentary jolt to the fans’ existence, Woods’ glorious play also revived him as the course echoed with exclamations. Even though physically exhausted, the kids’ prime concern after the revival was that he missed Woods’s shot. It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?
3. The three grand playoff holes of the 2000 PGA Championship
The 2000 PGA Championship must hold a reservation in the star’s heart. After all, that was the year when he won the Tiger Slam (a famous period in the golfer’s career when he became the first player ever to win four consecutive major championships).
However, this record came after much hard work. Particularly, a toe-to-toe fight with Bob May, which eventually led to three playoff holes between the two. After the third playoff hole, the now-48-year-old won the 2000 PGA Championship, which paved his way to the Tiger Slam the same season.
4. When Tiger Woods made a run-in putt
Tiger Woods’ second win at the PGA Championship in a row in 2000 was truly iconic. The third playoff hole saw Woods make a run during his walk-in putt to ensure he had actually won over Bob May and sealed an unimaginable second PGA Championship win to his name at just the age of 24!
5. When a teenage Sergio Garcia risked a broken hand and broken club in Woods pursuit
The 1999 PGA Championship saw an anxious and win-hungry Sergio Garcia risk it all in hopes of winning the trophy over Tiger Woods. While Garcia’s attempts went in vain as he finished one stroke behind Tiger in second place, the urge to attain his first major win cost him almost a broken club and a broken hand.
Yes, you heard that right. The then-19-year-old made a weird tee shot on the 16th involving trees at the Medinah Country Club. The young Garcia, in hopes of making a statement, made an iconic, undaunted move when he picked up a six-iron and shot the ball 189 yards to the green and then ran to see the result of his risky yet hopeful shot.
Even though Garcia’s attempts at getting his first major over a thriving Woods did not come to a favorable end, it is a moment engraved in golf history marked with undying determination. Are you aware of any crazy moments that occurred during Woods’ appearances at the PGA Championship?
