Tiger Woods Wins U.S. Open with Broken Leg, Torn ACL

Golfer plays through severe injuries to capture dramatic victory

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:20am

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In a remarkable feat of athletic perseverance, Tiger Woods won the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines while playing with a broken leg and torn ACL. Woods battled through 91 holes over five days, eventually defeating Rocco Mediate in a playoff to claim his 14th major championship title.

Why it matters

Woods' gutsy performance in the face of debilitating injuries cemented his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time and inspired awe among sports fans worldwide. The victory also marked the last time the U.S. Open would feature a full 18-hole playoff, as the USGA later changed the format.

The details

Playing with a double stress fracture in his left leg and a torn ACL, Woods fought through immense pain to force an 18-hole playoff with Mediate after sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole. The two players finished the playoff tied, forcing a sudden-death playoff that Woods won on the 91st hole. The full extent of Woods' injuries was not revealed until two days later, when it was announced he would require additional surgeries and miss the rest of the season.

  • The 2008 U.S. Open took place from June 12-16 at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California.
  • Woods and Mediate played a full 18-hole playoff on June 16 to determine the champion.
  • Woods won the tournament on the 91st hole on June 16.

The players

Tiger Woods

One of the greatest professional golfers of all time, Woods won 14 major championships during his career despite battling numerous injuries.

Rocco Mediate

An American professional golfer who finished runner-up to Woods in the 2008 U.S. Open after an epic playoff duel.

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What they’re saying

“Unbelievable. I knew he'd make it.”

— Rocco Mediate

What’s next

The 2008 U.S. Open marked the last time the tournament would feature a full 18-hole playoff, as the USGA later changed the format to a 2-hole aggregate playoff.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' gutsy performance at the 2008 U.S. Open, where he won his 14th major title while playing through a broken leg and torn ACL, stands as one of the most remarkable feats in sports history and cemented his legacy as an all-time great.