Infinite Monkeys

Way to go, Rocco!

I spent most of today watching the U.S. Open — often called the toughest test in golf (yeah, tougher than The Masters.) I like Tiger. Nay. I have a man crush on Tiger. And in any other year I'd be pulling for him to win.

But in the hunt all week has been a man named Rocco Mediate: a balding, injury-plagued, journeyman golfer from Western Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Greensburg (about an hour east of my adopted hometown of Pittsburgh) he is about the most regular, affable guy to play on tour. NBC analyst Johnny Miller quipped after one of Rocco's improbable birdie putts that "he looks like the guy who cleans Tiger's pool." Johnny is right — and Rocco, no doubt, would have laughed.

After every good shot he made, Rocco smiled, shrugged his shoulders and looked for someone to tell: "Can you believe that?" The 45-year-old is the everyman of professional golf. And he went toe-to-toe with the greatest golfer in the world today. Rocco would have his place in golf history right now if not for yet another heroic putt at the last by Tiger to force a playoff.

Monday, Rocco faces off against Tiger Woods in the round of a lifetime — a playoff for the 2008 U.S. Open championship. Whether he wins or he loses, Rocco is a winner in my book. And he has a place in golf history. The guy who chuckled and shrugged his way to ... well, let's hope it's a U.S. Open title. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Rocco (Jimmy) vs. Tiger (Superman). I hope Rocco's got a "Pocket Full of Kryptonite". Tonight, the Spin Doctors sing his song.

UPDATE: 1:30 p.m. Rocco gave it his best, falling behind Tiger, then rallying back to take the lead, then watching Tiger hit yet another birdie putt at the last to send this tournament to sudden death after 90 holes. Unbelievable. Tiger pars the first extra hole; Rocco's 20-footer barely misses and it's all over. Tiger wins his third U.S. Open and 14th major overall.

But Rocco can keep his head up. He is a legend now, even in defeat.

Posted by Dr. Zaius at June 15, 2008 09:39 PM