Shaun Micheel's victory in the 2003 US PGA Championship gives all players in the field this year at Oak Hill Country Club hope. It also, though, offers a warning.
The club that helped Micheel seal his two-shot triumph now sits in a box at his home. On Sunday, during a practice round, he attempted to repeat the feat, only this time his effort came up short of the green.
Tiger praise
"It was really a once-in-a-lifetime shot," he added. "That particular shot was set up by all the great things that I did throughout the week. It was the winning shot, but I did some pretty good things just to get myself in position.
"That last shot solidified the fact that I could do it. I know I haven't done it since. I guess part of me wishes I had bowed out a few years ago. But I relive that moment a lot. Nothing is more important than what happened to me in '03."
Considering his recent form, Micheel will need a miracle to take the title again this year. Yet Woods - who himself tied for 39th place in that event, feels his compatriot should be immensely proud of what he achieved and, indeed, the manner in which he clinched it.
"He's going down in history as a major championship winner. That just puts you automatically into another category," Woods said.
"On top of that, hell, he hit one of the greatest shots you've ever seen on 18 to finish it off."
Woods is right in the fact that no one can ever take away the fact Micheel is a major champion. That and his faithful old seven iron.
