posted August 16, 2009 at 20:05 EST in Golf Articles
Tiger Tamed by Yang
by Tommy Long
CHASKA, Minn. - In a year of upsests this maybe the biggest of all. The Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA playoffs, Pittsburg beat Detroit for the Stanley Cup, a few days ago Tsonga beat Federer in the Rogers Open.
Today Y.E. Yang toppled the mighty Tiger Woods.
Y.E. Yang, of South Korea, is congratulated by Tiger Woods, right, after winning the 91st PGA Championship at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009.
Yang, of South Korea, became the first Asian-born player to win a major Sunday with a stunning performance in the PGA Championship, memorable as much for his clutch shots as the player he beat.
Tiger was gracias in defeat and, but has alot to think about since this is the first time he has lost after leading coming into Sunday morning. He had not lost any tournament around the world in nine years when leading by two shots.
None of that mattered to Yang, a 37-year-old South Korean who hit the shots everyone expected from Woods. Leading by one on the final hole, Yang slayed golf’s giant with a hybrid 3-iron that cleared the bunker and settled 12 feet from the cup.
Yang made the birdie to close with a 2-under 70, giving him a three-shot victory when Woods missed yet another par putt and shot 75.
It was the second time Woods has finished runner-up in the PGA Championship at Hazeltine, both times to a surprise winner. Seven years ago, Woods birdied the last four holes and came up one short of Rich Beem.
Yang was No. 110 in the world, his only victory on the PGA Tour coming in March at the Honda Classic on a course across the street from headquarters of the PGA of America. He was best known for holding off Woods at the HSBC Champions in China three years ago.
On the biggest stage of all, he came through again.
Yang still had enough strength left to hoist his golf bag over his head, and later the 44-pound Wanamaker Trophy.
