U.S. Open: 5 best moments in history

SAN DIEGO - JUNE 16: Tiger Woods (R), champion, and Rocco Mediate (L), runner up, share a moment on the 18th green during the trophy presentation after the playoff round of the 108th U.S. Open at the Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) on June 16, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

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20 Jun 1999: Payne Stewart of the United States celebrates victory after sinking his final putt during the last day of the 1999 US Open played on the number two course at Pinehurst in North Carolina, USA. \ Mandatory Credit: Harry How /Allsport /

2. Payne Stewart beats Phil Mickelson in 1999

As far as final hole drama goes, few tournaments can top the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

Payne Stewart entered the final round with a one-shot lead over Phil Mickelson, with Woods and Vijay Singh lurking just behind. Woods, who was just about to start one of the most dominant runs in the history of golf, narrowly missed two putts down the stretch, leaving Stewart and Mickelson as potential champions entering the 18th.

The pair traded incredible shots on the 16th and 17th, with Stewart eventually maintaining the one-stroke lead he entered the round with. Stewart sunk a 15-foot par putt on the 18th to beat Mickelson and avoid a playoff on Monday.

Many remember the sportsmanship between Stewart and Mickelson following the round more fondly than the pressure-packed put. Mickelson also carried a pager and was ready to leave at any moment, as his wife was in labor. A better drama could not have been scripted.

The victory was Stewart’s second in a U.S. Open and third Major title overall. Mickelson currently stands at five major titles, but has never won America’s championship.

Tragically, Stewart died four months later in a plane crash. The Payne Stewart Award is now given out annually to the golfer who best displays his level of charity, character and sportsmanship.

Next: 1. Tiger Woods wins on one leg

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