Many of Tiger Woods’ major championship victories occurred at notoriously difficult venues, such as Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, Torrey Pines, and Southern Hills.
As was often the case during Woods’ heyday, he made things look incredibly easy on what should have been daunting major championship courses. His 2000 US Open win saw him finish 12 under par, 15 shots clear of second, and the only man under par; that was the level of dominance on display.
Some of Woods‘ major wins were a little more closely fought, however. The 2002 US Open at Bethpage saw the world number one finish three shots clear of Phil Mickelson and once again the only player to break par.
Clearly, Woods’ US Open wins in the early 2000s took place on extremely testing and iconic courses; Tiger, however, believes the 2003 PGA Championship venue was arguably the best challenge he’s faced.
What Tiger Woods said at 2003 PGA Championship
Despite not winning the 2003 PGA Championship, Woods admitted that Oak Hill in Rochester was one of his favourite courses.
“Some of my favourites are obviously the older golf courses that we play, i.e., this one, golf courses that have been around for a while and are very simple. They are not tricked up. It’s just right in front of you,” Woods said during his pre-tournament press conference.
“I think those are the best golf courses in the world. I think that’s what makes it so much fun to play is that they are just right in front of you. There are no hidden agendas. It’s just one of those golf courses that’s so difficult. It’s just basically come and get me, and hopefully, it will be enough.”
As well as Oak Hill, Woods claimed Whistling Straights was one of the most demanding courses he’s played just 12 months later.
Where did Tiger Woods finish at the 2003 PGA Championship
The 2003 PGA Championship at Oak Hill will go down as one of the toughest renewals of the event.
The eventual winner, Shaun Micheel (four under), was one of three players who finished below par for the week. Chad Campbell and Tim Clark were the others who got into the red numbers.
In fact, the 2003 edition of the PGA was a tournament for the underdog, with Ernie Els, the highest profile name to break the top ten. The South African finished tied for fifth on two over.
As for Woods, the red-hot favourite before Thursday’s opening round finished in a tie for 39th on 12 over. Woods posted 74-72-73-73 and never really threatened and gradually played his way out of contention.
The PGA Championship last visited Oak Hill in 2013, where Jason Dufner won his only major championship title.
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