There are very few people on Earth who have stared down Tiger Woods at his peak in a major championship on Sunday and come out on top.
YE Yang is the only player to beat Tiger when he entered Sunday’s major championship at the top, but several others have held off a struggling Woods with a major title in the balance. Rich Beem beat Woods by one stroke at the 2002 PGA Championship. Angel Cabrera did the same at the 2007 US Open. And Michael Campbell beat Woods by two at the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 to win his only major championship.
That Sunday at Pinehurst started with Retief Goosen holding a three-shot lead over Jason Gore and Olin Browne. Campbell was four shots off the pace and Woods six back. But Goosen dropped six shots in his first nine holes en route to a final-round 81. That opened the door for the chasers, and it was Campbell and Woods who ended up cruising for the title on the back nine. Campbell held the lead as he made the turn on No. 10 with Woods playing several groups ahead.
When Campbell reached the 10th set, Woods’ group was waiting for a decision. It was there, during this long wait, that Campbell had a thought that would allow him to be held Tiger Woodsmatching that with a one-under 69, to win by two.
“There was a time when I was on the 10th tee,” Campbell told GOLF’s Josh Sens during a round in Punta Mita. “I have a one-shot lead on the back nine of a major championship against the best, Tiger. He’s playing in front of me. I’ll never forget that. His playing partner had a decision – hit him on the 5th. So I’m sitting on the 10th ball for about 20 minutes. That’s a long time, that’s an opportunity for me. Not a threat.’
“I thought, yeah, let’s have fun with this. If you look at the coverage, I’m just having fun. I’m just a kid, just enjoying the moment.”
Campbell, who entered the US Open field through sectional qualifying in England, made a clutch putt on the par-3 17th hole to ultimately decide. Forests at arm’s length. He bogeyed the final hole, but it didn’t matter as his place in US Open history was now secure.
You can watch Campbell’s conversation with the Sens in the video above or watch it Full video of Punta Mita here.
