How many balls did Tiger Woods have left in his 2nd round at the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach after hitting his first tee shot into the water on the 18th hole?

Tiger woods only had one ball left.

Tiger Woods as the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2000

The story goes that Tiger Woods took 3 balls out of his bag to practice putting in his hotel room and forgot to put them back.

Tiger's resumption of the 2nd round that morning started on the 13th hole. As caddy, Steve Williams, put his hand in the bag he noticed there were only 3 balls - they still had 6 holes to play.

On his second shot out of the rough on the 13th hole Tiger damaged his ball with the sand wedge. Walking off the green he threw the ball to a young boy in the crowd. Two balls left.

On the 18th hole, teeing off with driver, Tiger hit his first shot in the water.

At this point in time only caddy Steve Williams knew there was only one ball left. He suggested Tiger hit an iron for his 2nd tee shot but Tiger again took driver and this time hit the fairway.

Steve Williams said later in an interview that he never had been that nervous in his whole life.

With no balls left, Tiger Woods would have been disqualified from the tournament.

Tiger Woods ended up winning his first U.S. Open by a record-setting fifteen strokes over runners-up Ernie Els and Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

Steve Williams only told Tiger Woods there was one ball left on Day 2 after he had won the Championship.

About Tiger Woods and caddie Steve Williams:

  • Steve Williams served as Tiger Woods' caddie from 1999 to 2011. During this time, Woods won 13 of his 15 major championships.
  • Their partnership was highly successful, with Woods and Williams winning 63 professional tournaments together.
  • Williams is considered one of the greatest golf caddies of all time, largely due to his success with Woods
  • Their relationship ended in 2011 when Woods fired Williams. This came during a difficult period for Woods personally and professionally.
  • After parting ways with Woods, Williams went on to caddie for Adam Scott, helping him win the 2013 Masters.
  • Despite some tension after their split, Woods and Williams appear to have reconciled to some degree. Williams mentioned a friendly chat with Woods at a hotel in February 2023.
  • Williams has described his bond with Woods as closer than with other players he caddied for, citing their shared attitude towards hard work and dedication.
  • Williams' net worth is reported to be around $20 million, largely due to his successful years working with Woods.

Wikipedia: 2000 U.S. Open (golf)

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