Taking Stewart's position in the opening groupings is five-time champion Jack Nicklaus, starting his 44th consecutive, and probably last, Open. Hal Sutton and Bobby Clampett (one of the few qualifiers to make the tournament from a field of 8,457) are among the early leaders, but soon Woods takes command. Helped by a brilliant save from the edge of a bunker, he overcomes a triple bogey in the third round to open up a 10-stroke lead as everyone else struggles with treacherous weather conditions. The final round is all Woods, his only challenge being the seven scoring records he would eventually set or tie. As fellow pro Stuart Appleby says, "It's unbelievable; it's perfect golf." Indeed, it's perhaps the best performance ever at the U.S. Open, and its setting at historic Pebble Beach makes it all the better. --David Horiuchi

From the Back Cover
June 2000
2000 U.S. Open
Pebble Beach, California

Pebble Beach, one of golf's most hallowed locations, was once again the site for a historic event. The 100th playing of the U.S. Open may long be remembered as the definitive passage between eras--the 44th and probably final appearance of Jack Nicklaus, and the coronation of golf's new king, Tiger Woods. While the rest of the field toiled and struggled amidst the difficult elements of Pebble Beach, Tiger Woods appeared completely relaxed and confident... confident making unforgettable shots, and confident setting records.

At the end of the first round, Woods held a one-stroke lead over his closest competitor. From that point on, it seemed only the weather could delay Woods' date with history. His march to victory was a record-setting performance for the ages: largest 36-hole lead in an Open (6 strokes), largest 54-hole lead (10 strokes), and a 15-stroke victory that was the largest winning maring in any major championship. Indeed, at age 24, Tiger Woods has set a new standard of excellence. The Official 2000 U.S. Open highlight video is truly a piece of golf history! 60 minutes.