Fans once bizarrely came to Tiger Woods’ rescue to help him at the Phoenix Open
Tiger Woods has been an icon of world golf throughout his career, but one of his most popular periods came in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During that time, Woods was nearly unbeatable and an absolute fan favorite.
One of the prime examples of fans' devotion to Tiger Woods in those years came at the 1999 Phoenix Open. During the second round of the event, a unique situation arose and Woods needed the assistance of his fans.
It happened on the 13th hole. Tiger Woods sent his tee shot into a native area to the left of the fairway, and the ball struck a large boulder there. The ball came within a few feet of the boulder, which became an obstacle to its probable trajectory.
Tiger Woods requested an official to offer clarification, as the rock was technically a removable object. The official agreed, and it was decided that the rock had to be removed for Woods to continue playing.
The matter was more difficult than it appeared due to the enormous weight of the rock. At this point, Woods turned to the fans and asked if anyone was willing to help. More than 10 men immediately stepped forward, some of whom couldn't help as the area around the rock was crowded.
The fans managed to move the boulder, but not without a great deal of effort. The rock still stands in the same spot at TPC Scottsdale, with a plaque commemorating the moment.
Looking back at Tiger Woods' 1999 Phoenix Open performance and more
Woods finished the 1999 Phoenix Open in third place with a score of 8-under, three strokes behind winner Rocco Mediate. He played his four rounds with scores of even par 71, 4 under 67, 1 under 70 and 3 under 68.
The 1999 edition was the second Phoenix Open for Tiger Woods. It was also his best finish at the TPC Scottsdale. In 1997, he tied for 18th, while he tied for 5th in 2001. Unfortunately, Woods missed the cut in 2015.
During the 1999 PGA Tour season, Woods played 21 events without missing a cut. He finished in the top 10 16 times, winning on eight occasions and finishing as the runner-up once. He closed the year with four consecutive victories, which becomes five if you add the unofficial World Cup of Golf.
His wins that season included the PGA Championship, the second major of his career. The 1999 season was also the first of his 10 career seasons with five or more wins (8 in 1999, 9 in 2000, 5 in 2001, 5 in 2001, 5 in 2002, 5 in 2003, 6 in 2005, 8 in 2006, 7 in 2007, 6 in 2009 and 5 in 2013).