Gregory Bull/Associated Press
This week the PGA Tour will return to Torrey Pines, site of one of the most exciting U.S. Opens in modern history and the event that really put prime-time golf on the map.
Tiger Woods’ attempt to overcome this picturesque coastal gem, Rocco Mediate and a broken leg in 2008 drew an incredible 12.1 million viewers to their television sets during the final round, which was televised in prime time on the East Coast.
It was initially thought this perfect combination of golf’s biggest star, the drama surrounding his injury and the underdog story in Mediate all set on one of golf’s most aesthetic backdrops was a once-off ratings bonanza.