On Display: My 2004 U.S. Open Gap Wedge

I felt like my game was built for the U.S. Open. I was calm, steady and patient, which had served me well in challenging conditions, and the playoff win at Southern Hills in 2001 gave me confidence. In 2004, Shinnecock Hills transformed over the weekend. The greens became firmer and the wind picked up. 

I took a two-stroke lead into Sunday and was in the last group, just behind Phil Mickelson. The New York crowds loved Phil, but the more they cheered for him, the more determined I became to prove that I was up the challenge. 

My short game saved me that afternoon. I made three straight up-and-downs on Nos. 13-15, including a 20-foot bogey putt on the 14th after my ball plugged in the greenside bunker. As I reached the 16th green, I saw that Phil had just made a birdie to pull ahead by one. I felt that I had to make my 15-footer to keep pace - and thankfully I did. 

When I got to the tee of the par-3 17th hole, Phil was on the green. I saw him miss a short putt, but I didn't know what he had made. I missed the green but was able to save par yet again. 

After I hit the green in regulation on No. 18, I finally saw that Phil had made double bogey on 17. I had a two shot lead. 

When I holed the final putt, I tipped by hat toward the hole as if to say, "I got you this time," after missing a 2-footer in 2001 that almost cost me the title.

In the U.S. Open, you’re up against the best field on one of the toughest courses, fighting on every shot. Everything about it is designed to be hard. So when you win, you know that you’ve taken your game to another level.

Winning the championship will always be my proudest moment. 

By the numbers:

• 2 Major championship titles (2001, 2004 U.S. Opens)
• 11 One-putts in the final round of the 2004 U.S. Open
• 250 Consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking (2001-2007)
• 6 International team member, Presidents Cup (T-3rd most)
• 40 Professional wins worldwide