He was one of a kind, always remembered during golf's national championship, and Bob Harig writes how it's impossible not to think what might have come next.
PINEHURST, N.C. — It is an enduring sequence of images emanating from the 18th green at Pinehurst No. 2. Donald Ross’s gem more than delivered in its first-ever U.S. Open, and there was golf’s flamboyant figure, Payne Stewart, holing a clutch par putt, celebrating with an outstretched arm and leg, a portrait etched in time.
“I remember thinking, ‘That can’t go in,’” said Stewart’s friend, Paul Azinger. “You can’t make that putt to win the U.S. Open. But he did. He secured his legacy.” Stewart had such a classic, old-style swing that appeared effortless and was built to last. But he was set to enter a stage of great contentment, with an aura of nothing to lose, exempt into the major championships for years to come.
Mickelson had won twice in each of Woods’s first two full years as a pro in 1997 and 1998 and kept hovering in or around the top 10 in the world. His record in major championships until the U.S. Open in 1999 was good if not great, with no victories but seven top-15 finishes including a tie for sixth at the Masters won by Jose Maria Olazabal two months earlier.
And then there was Mickelson, who played the entire tournament carrying a beeper and ready to leave at a moment’s notice if he wife, Amy, went into labor. Had Stewart not made the par putt, there would have been an 18-hole playoff the next day—at around the time the Mickelson’s daughter, Amanda, was born.“I just felt going into the ’99 U.S.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Neanderthals and humans interbred 47,000 years ago for nearly 7,000 years, research suggestsCharles Q. Choi is a contributing writer for Live Science and Space.com. He covers all things human origins and astronomy as well as physics, animals and general science topics. Charles has a Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida.
Read more »
Memorial Day Miracle: KSAT 12 remembers how one shot changed Spurs historyTwenty-five years after Sean Elliott's remarkable playoff three-pointer, fans reminiscence.
Read more »
Twenty years after Reagan’s death, leaders examine the power of his principlesLess than half of Americans remember Reagan’s presidency, posing a challenge for those hoping to advance his legacy.
Read more »
Twenty Years After the Rampage, Dozer Manifesto Tells the Graphic Story of Marv Heemeyer'It was a tragedy on so many levels,' says Mister V. 'And honestly, a miracle that he didn't kill anyone else before taking his own life.'
Read more »
Twenty Years Of Magic From HP Designer Stacy WolffI am known for my strong views on mobile technology, online media, and the effect this has on the public conscious and existing businesses.
Read more »
Twenty One Pilots: Still Blurry After All These Years21 Pilots 'Clancy' Review
Read more »