Who Tiger Woods picked as the best golfer of all time just before the 2009 US Open

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Tiger Woods has already ensured his place among the all-time greats, having enjoyed a simply stunning career.

Woods could return to golf on the PGA Tour Champions, having been absent from the PGA Tour this season due to injury.

The former world number one underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, with Woods then undergoing back surgery for the seventh time.

Fortunately, he’s already giving golfing fans countless unforgettable memories on the course, with his efforts including 15 major championship wins.

That figure is just three behind his fellow legend Jack Nicklaus, with their records having been part of the discussion when Woods named his greatest golfer ever.

Who Tiger Woods picked as the greatest golfer of all time in 2009

Woods was chasing a 15th major championship at the 2009 US Open, with success very much a possibility for various reasons.

He was the defending champion at the tournament after his win at Torrey Pines in 2008, while he was the defending champion at Bethpage, that year’s host venue once more.

And along with analysing his game and the course, the iconic figure was asked for his opinion on the best golfer of all time at that moment.

“Jack”, replied Woods, who was then asked how close he is. A simple response was all that was needed: “He’s got 18. I’m at 14.”

He did manage to turn 14 into 15 at Augusta National a decade later, with Woods winning The Masters in 2019 in stunning fashion.

READ MORE: Tiger Woods’ really simple advice which could help golfers get more distance with their driver

What Tiger Woods found ‘extraordinary’ about the 2002 US Open at Bethpage

Woods fell short in his hopes of closing the gap on Nicklaus at Bethpage in 2009, although he certainly wasn’t far off at all.

He finished T6 on even par in New York alongside Hunter Mahan and Soren Hansen, with Lucas Glover finishing top of the pile on four-under.

Before, however, Woods was also tasked with looking back on his 2002 US Open win at Bethpage, having been asked what stands out from the event.

He said: “I remember quite a bit of the final round. I remember how miserable it was in the morning on Friday. But not as bad as the guys in the afternoon.

“I certainly remember how loud it was on Saturday, when guys were making their runs, Sergio [Garcia] and Phil [Mickelson] making putts there at the end.

“I think I was back there up on 15 and hadn’t made a birdie yet. And I’m hearing these huge roars go up there down on 16 and 17 from Phil and Sergio. And I finally made my first birdie of the day.

“I think just the overall atmosphere is what I truly remember here because it was extraordinary. We hadn’t seen anything like it. Probably never will.”

It was indeed an extraordinary tournament and an extraordinary display from Woods, who won the title by three shots.

He finished on three-under at Bethpage for his second US Open success, with Woods’ fierce rival Mickelson taking second place.