No one expected this.Let's face it, we all thought today's playoff would be a yawn. After all it was the world number 157 player up against the world number 1. It rarely gets more uneven than that in a professional golf tournament. And when the number 1 in question is Tiger Woods (as it will undoubtedly be for the foreseeable future) there's little chance of even a feeble attempt, and this was much more than a feeble attempt this was a fight to the finish. Beyond the finish actually... and right on into the sudden death playoff where Tiger ultimately triumphed.
Rocco Mediate turned out to be an amazing competitor and an endearing, affable, inspiring personality. I followed the action live on Twitter with dozens of other golf fans from around the world. Everyone, everywhere... in offices in the middle of the work day, or at home in the late evening, or on the road with their mobil devices... was loving the drama, and totally engaged with the two competitors battling on the beautiful coastal course.
My favorite style statement of the championship was definitely Mr. Mediate's peace symbol belt, worn with a black on black outfit on Sunday. Reaction was decidedly mixed, with some immediately attaching a political statement to it. In the end though, even the staunchest anti-peace advocates had to admit that Rocco was probably just having fun with a unique accessory.Live blogging was a trend that really seemed to come into its own at this tournament. Oobgolf was doing it, so was ESPN's Jason Sobel. Golf bloggers like Pablo Herrero and Scot Duke were live micro-blogging on Twitter along with me ...and lots of others. It was pretty awesome, and I think we'll be doing more of it at future events. For now though we're still talking about this one, and I think we will be for a while. It was that good.
As I told you earlier, I'll be up in Cromwell, CT later this week for the Travelers Championship. I just heard Rocco won't be there, which is a bit of a disappointment. It is understandable though; after going head to head with Tiger Woods I imagine most of us would need a little rest.
We're playing Quarry Ridge in the morning and getting to the tourney around noon. I'll see if I can spot you there, In a sea of 80,000 it should be a cinch. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what golf huh!! After Saturday, one would think, this is the best it could ever get, but no. Sunday... then today. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteSuch inspiration from both Tiger and Rocco. Have a great weekend trip Patricia!! Hope the golf gods shine doewn on you, have fun!
Smiles!
Maybe the peace symbol was a statement. Maybe he's tired of us being in a sad, wasteful war like lots of Americans are and that was his way of expressing it. Or maybe it's just a fashion statement. Either way he played great and entertained everyone. The US Open was better because of Rocco Mediate.
ReplyDeleteThat playoff was most likely the most exciting in golf history. Torn between who to root for, David and I took turns, first for Rocco (you gotta love a 45 year old competitor) and then for Tiger (truly a legend in his and every other time!). I was quite impressed with Tiger's winner's speech. He talked about his friendship with Rocco when Tiger first joined the tour. Rocco should be proud that he gave Tiger such a noble fight to the very very end. Looking forward to seeing your pictures of the wedding at the golf venue! ~Nikki @17fairway
ReplyDeleteIf I knew how to use Twitter I would have joined you.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad you won't be seeing Rocco in Conn, but he deserves a break after the great show he put on with Tiger. It really was a memorable US Open.
ReplyDeletePeace symbols are back in a big way. Particularly in jewelery and accessories. Big designers had the in their lines for fall 08...so Rocco is way ahead of the curve as far as fashion is concerned ;)
ReplyDeletewho is "we all" ?? Some of us had more faith in Mediate !
ReplyDeletebut I'm glad he accessorized well for the fashionistas. ;-)
Incredible golf-- I think it may have actually gotten my husband to start watching it with me, now!
ReplyDeletePeace symbols are quickly becomming the fashion statement du jour. Much like fleur de lis and tattoo inspired shirts. The peace symbol has my female fashionista customers screaming for more.
ReplyDeleteIt was great!! Really amazing and a unforgettable tournament. Golf is the greatest game.
ReplyDeleteI'll take Mediate in my Foresome anytime..not sure anyone else in our group would get to talk between shots with us two together, but I know it would be fun to play in this group.
ReplyDeletehttp://innovativebusinessgolf.com/2008/06/17/take-a-mediate-moment/
Since you seem to have some expertise on golf fashion, I linked to your post in my U.S. Open recap/ode to golf/ode to Rocco.
ReplyDeletehttp://sportsyenta.blogspot.com/2008/06/golfs-finest-hour.html
I loved every minute of it! What a great "chess match"!
ReplyDeleteI'm a newbie in twitter and one of your twitter followers; it didnt cross my mind that twitter got the capability of bringing life coverage.
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