Editor's note: As the U.S. Open returns to Torrey Pines for the first time since 2008, we look back at that event and Tiger Woods' playoff win over Rocco Mediate. This story was originally published on June 11, 2018, as part of the 10-year anniversary of that event.
Just 12 feet of tricky terrain remained before the ball began tumbling toward the hole, leaving the Nike swoosh prominent with every revolution. But as Tiger Woods rose out of his stance and thousands around the green held their breath, those fleeting moments might truly be measured in days, weeks, months and years.