Golf Fans Pulling For Tiger

Sunday, August 12th 2007, 4:47 pm

By: News On 6

All eyes were on Tiger Woods Sunday at Southern Hills Country Club. The worldâ€™s best golfer had a three stroke lead heading into the final round Sunday afternoon. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports lots of golf fans were there to see Tiger and he certainly delivered.

With former OSU Cowboy Scott Verplank no longer on the leader board, Tiger didn't have to compete for the gallery's affection on Sunday.

"It's almost like a dream because you see him on TV," said one Tiger fan. "Being a golf fan I never thought I'd be able to see him live, so it's a big deal for me."

"It's just awesome to be able to be here, see him close up, he's been awesome to say hi to the crowd as he walks past," said a golf fan at Southern Hills.

Fans braved triple digit temperatures, and triple digit ticket prices, just to get a glimpse of Tiger's final round. Still, they say it was well worth it, some even describing it as a once in a lifetime experience.

"A hundred bucks to get out here, but it's worth it, every bit," said one golf fan.

"It's unreal man, you know we've seen him on TV, play him in the video games, but it's unreal to see him out here," a Tiger fan said. "It's kinda surreal."

Tournament director Ryan Jordan stopped short of saying he was rooting for Tiger, but pointed out that having him take home the championship was exciting for Tulsa, and the PGA's national television audience.

"We really just pull for a great championship,â€ tournament director Ryan Jordan said. â€œAs long as there's great drama, great competition and ultimately a great champion, we're very happy."

And the PGA couldn't have asked for more on Sunday, as Tiger acknowledged the fans at Southern Hills, putted in for the win, then raised the Wanamaker Trophy for the fourth time.

"It's just so cool, it really is,â€ pro-golfer Tiger Woods said.

In his acceptance speech Tiger also mentioned that the win in Tulsa is particularly memorable because it was the first major he's ever won with his newborn baby daughter in attendance.

To learn more about the 89th PGA Championship, click here.