Major Golf Tournament Champions: 2000-2009 Quiz

Answer: Torrey Pines

Tiger Woods and fellow American Rocco Meidate played a memorable match at the 2008 U.S. Open tournament, which was held at the Torrey Pines South Course in San Diego, California. Woods played this tournament on an injured left knee- he grimaced in pain after virtually every shot.

After 72 holes, both Woods and Mediate had scores of -1 (283) at the majestic Torrey Pines course. Woods eventually won the title, outlasting Mediate in a 19-hole playoff held on Monday, June 16, 2008. The other three courses are located in Florida.

Answer: Trevor Immelman

Trevor Immelman was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1979. Immelman dazzled the pro golf world in 2008 when he captured the Masters title. Immelman was the leader after all four rounds, and posted a score of -8 (280). He won his first Grand Slam title by a margin of three strokes over Tiger Woods. The other three golfers were born in the USA.

Answer: Mike Weir

In April 2003, Mike Weir became a hero in his native Canada when he won the prestigious Masters golf tournament. Weir, a left-handed golfer who was born in Ontario, earned his green jacket by defeating Len Mattiace in a one-hole playoff. Weir shot an impressive -7 over 72 holes for a total score of 281. Jim Furyk and David Toms were born in the USA. Ernie Els was born in South Africa.

Answer: The Masters and The PGA

Phil Mickelson, born in San Diego, became famous for his wide assortment of left-handed golf shots as well as his penchant for playing high risk "kamikaze" type shots. Between 2004 and 2006, Mickelson won three major championships at two courses, two Masters titles (2004 and 2006) at Augusta National, and one PGA crown (2005). "Lefty" won the 2005 PGA title at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey.

Answer: Argentina

Angel "The Duck" Cabrera was born in Cordova, Argentina, in 1969. In 2007, Cabrera shot a +5 score of 285 to win the U.S. Open tournament held in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. In 2009, Cabrera earned a green jacket at the Masters tournament when he fired a -12 score of 276 to defeat Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell in a three-way sudden death playoff which lasted two holes.

Answer: Padraig Harrington

Padaraig Harrington was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1971. In 2008, Harrington enjoyed an outstanding season. In July, Harrington won the British Open at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, shooting a +3 score of 283. The following month, Harrington claimed victory at the PGA championship held at the Oakland Hills course in Michigan. Harrington fired a final round of 66 to end up the tournament at -3 (277).

The other three golfers listed in this question were born in the United Kingdom.

Answer: Fiji

Vijay Singh was born in Lautoka, Fiji, in 1963. In 2000, Singh won the Masters tournament with a -10 score of 278, defeating Ernie Els by three strokes. Singh then won the 2004 PGA championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Singh defeated Justin Leonard and Chris DiMarco in a three-hole playoff to earn his first Wanamaker Trophy.

Answer: Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell of Hawera, New Zealand, was the surprise winner of the 2005 U.S. Open golf tournament held in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Campbell shot an even par 280, including a one-under par 69 in the final round, to capture his first major title. Campbell finished the event two strokes ahead of Tiger Woods. Campbell became the first New Zealander since Bob Charles to capture a grand slam title.

The other three golfers were born in the USA.

Answer: Winged Foot

Geoff Ogilvy, born in Adelaide, won the 2006 U.S. Open tournament at the demanding Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. This club was established in 1921. Ogilvy won his first grand slam title by shooting a +5 score of 285. Ogilvy managed to par the final two holes of the tournament, while runners-up Phil Mickelson and Colin Mongomerie faltered on these holes.

Some golf experts claimed that Mickelson had "given away" the title to Ogilvy because Mickelson attempted risky shots on the final holes. Shinnecock Hills is located in the town of Southampton, Long Island. Oak Hill is situated in Rochester, and Bethpage Black is located in Bethpage, Long Island.

Answer: Tom Watson

The 2009 British Open was held at the Turnberry Resort in Scotland. The main story of this event was the spectacular play of 59-year old legend Tom Watson. This American veteran nearly captured the British Open title. All he needed for the Claret Jug title was a par on the 72nd and final hole.

However, Watson bogied the final hole to drop into a tie with Stewart Cink. In the ensuing four-hole playoff, an obviously deflated Watson lost to Cink by six shots. Still, Watson earned the respect of the golfing world for his stellar performance at Turnberry.