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Whoever won the U.S. Open was going to make history, as if Tiger Woods won, he would join Jack Nicklaus as the only other player to win the U.S. Open three times, on the other hand, if Rocco Mediate would win, he would have become the oldest player in history to win the tournament, at 45 years, 6 months.

Alas for Mediate it was not to be, as Woods ended the tournament in the first hole of sudden death to win his third U.S. open, and 14th major championship.

Even more dramatic for Woods was the way he ensured a sudden death by sinking a 12-foot put on the 18th hole of the fourth round to extend the tourney.

For Mediate, it was also a tough journey as well, as the 158th-ranked player in the world had to win a sudden death round just to get into the tournament in the first place.

He had a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to win, but it slid by on the left. He also could have won the tournament outright on the 18th hole, but missed the 20-foot put, forcing the extra frame.

Concerning his knee that obviously hadn't fully healed from an operation, Wood said, "I'm going to shut it down for a while. I'm glad I'm done. I really don't feel like playing anymore. It's sore."
 
As mentioned recently on bizofshowbiz, when Tiger Woods makes the finals, it makes a huge difference in viewership, and this time it was no different, as it resulted in the third highest ratings for the U.S. Open ever on a Sunday.

The numbers came in at an 8.5 rating and 18 share for the overnights, confirming the value of Tiger Woods to the golf brand when the two brands are linked together.

In the 7-9 p.m. time period the numbers were far better, coming in at 11.4/17.

Add up the variables and you can see the reason the tournament was so successful this year. You have the weak knee of Tiger, and older, but determined player in Mediate. Put that together with the brand of Tiger and his somewhat unpredictable play at times during the tournament, the underdog trying to vanquish the popular giant, and it all added to the drama.

You couldn't have asked for better story to unfold in a sportings event, or for the excitement it generated for fans of the game as well as interested bystanders. Bring it together and you'll also get great viewing results.