Tiger Woods and Bob May’s 2000 PGA Championship Duel Still Stands Among Golf’s Greatest Battles
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on during the trophy ceremony following the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren The Genesis Invitational EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250216036
LA JOLLA, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Tiger Woods looks on during the trophy ceremony following the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2025 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on February 16, 2025 in La Jolla, California. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 16 PGA, Golf Herren The Genesis Invitational EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250216036
The 2000 PGA Championship at Valhalla remains defined by the legendary duel between Tiger Woods and Bob May.
Woods entered the major as the favorite after winning the 2000 U.S. Open by a record 15-shot margin, the largest victory in major history, and claiming The Open Championship at St. Andrews.
“Anytime you get to play against the best, and be able to come out on top against the best, it’s always going to be more satisfying,” Woods said.
May 13, 2012 - Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA - Tiger Woods during the final round of the Players Championship at the TPC Sawgrass on May 13, 2012 in Ponte Vedra, Fla. ..ZUMA PRESS/ Scott A. Miller. Copyright: xScottxA.xMillerx
May 13, 2012 - Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA - Tiger Woods during the final round of the Players Championship at the TPC Sawgrass on May 13, 2012 in Ponte Vedra, Fla. ..ZUMA PRESS/ Scott A. Miller. Copyright: xScottxA.xMillerx
On the other hand, May came into the major with considerable experience, even though he had not won on the PGA Tour. He only had an impressive junior golf record in California to back him up.
Woods shared the lead with fellow American Scott Dunlap at the end of the first round. May wasn’t up to Woods’ standards and trailed by five shots when the second round concluded.
“The last two years the PGA Championship has drawn the best field, and I’ve been very fortunate to be able to win. But to be able to tee it up and go toe-to-toe against the best players in the world, that’s what you dream about,” Woods added.
May made his push with seven birdies in a 10-hole stretch and closed within one shot heading into the final round as Woods struggled on the greens. May later opened up a two-shot advantage, but Woods responded to force a playoff and secured the win after a fortunate bounce off a cart path on the final hole.
Woods And May's Career Path
The 2000 PGA Championship was Woods’ third major victory in a row. The 2000 season ended up being his most dominant as he finished with a total of nine PGA Tour titles.
The 2001 Masters win made him complete the “Tiger Slam” as he held all four professional major trophies simultaneously.
May, on the other hand, finished third at the Reno-Tahoe Open the next week. Moreover, he secured a total of three top-20 finishes that season.
May’s career remained modest compared to Woods, who eventually tied the record with 82 PGA Tour victories.
Both May and Woods have struggled with injuries over the years. May has also tried his hands at PGA Tour Champions but hasn’t been successful.
Their duel at Valhalla will always be remembered.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav