The WM Phoenix Open is renowned for its electric atmosphere, but the 1999 tournament witnessed a moment that still echoes through the golfing world. It involved a young Tiger Woods, an enormous boulder, and a rules official named Orlando Pope who found himself at the heart of golfing history. Let’s rewind to that unforgettable day on TPC Scottsdale’s par-5 13th hole.
A “Loose Impediment” of Epic Proportions
Picture this: Tiger Woods, at the peak of his early career, unleashes a powerful tee shot that veers left, ricocheting off a gigantic boulder. The rock, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, lay directly between Woods’ ball and the green. As the crowd held its breath, Woods summoned Pope, hoping for a stroke of luck, or perhaps, a favorable interpretation of the rulebook.
“I think this thing’s just kinda laying here,” Woods remarked, pointing to the massive rock. Pope, a seasoned rules official, couldn’t help but chuckle at the understatement.
“Well, what do you mean just laying here?” Pope recounts with a laugh during a recent interview on PGA Tour Live. He knew the definition of a “loose impediment” – an object not firmly embedded in the ground – but this boulder seemed to defy the very notion.
A Collaborative Effort for the Ages
After some deliberation, Pope agreed that the boulder, despite its size, fit the definition. “The size doesn’t really matter,” Pope explained. “It just can’t be solidly embedded.” With that, Woods’ caddie, the legendary “Fluff” Cowan, gave the behemoth a tentative push.
Then came the question that no one expected: “You think I can move it?” Woods asked, a glint in his eye.
Pope, taken aback by the sheer audacity of the idea, simply replied, “Yeah, sure, you can move it. You can have all the help you want!”
The crowd, sensing a moment of pure sporting theatre, erupted. Fans rushed forward, eager to play their part in this unfolding drama. Even Woods’ playing partner, Rocco Mediate, joined in, ensuring the enthusiastic volunteers didn’t inadvertently move Woods’ ball in the process.
With a mighty heave and a collective cheer, the boulder was shifted, clearing a path for Woods to attempt an improbable eagle. He would ultimately settle for a birdie, but the roar of the crowd that day echoed far beyond a single stroke.
A Legacy Etched in Golfing Lore
Though Woods finished the tournament three shots behind Mediate, the memory of that day on the 13th hole remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf, the power of a shared experience, and the indelible mark Tiger Woods has left on the sport. Orlando Pope’s ruling, a testament to his understanding of the game’s spirit as much as its rules, ensured that this extraordinary moment would forever be etched in golfing lore.
What are your thoughts on this iconic moment in golf history? Share your memories and opinions in the comments below!