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 Contemplative and cool, Rocco Mediate had the most memorable week of his golfing life in last year's U.S. Open at Torrey Pines (Photo: USGA). “I really didn’t make a whole lot of mistakes that week — a couple here and there,” Mediate said about his runner-up finish to Tiger Woods after going 19 extra holes with the world’s top player. “But it’s an Open, so you’re supposed to.” Already a fan favorite, Mediate has seen his popularity rise even more since that magnificent performance. The 24-year veteran has persevered throughout his career, overcoming back problems to win five PGA Tour events and amass nearly $15 million in earnings. He’s still looking for major No. 1, and begins competitive preparation for the Grand Slam events this month by returning to Torrey Pines for the Buick Invita-tional before heading to Riviera Country Club for the Northern Trust Open. It remains to be seen if he can recapture the magic of nearly defeating a hobbled Woods in major competition, but one thing is certain — it will be hard to beat for drama. Where does the 2008 U.S. Open experience rank? It was definitely the best experience I’ve ever had on the golf course, period. Nothing I will do from now on will ever compare to that. If I win the Masters in April and the U.S. Open in June, I don’t think it can ever top what happened with Tiger and I, to me. Mostly because of Tiger? Well, definitely because of Tiger, because he’s the best ever and I’m playing him heads up for the United States Open. I mean, I don’t know how much better you can get. I don’t think you can. Unless it happens again. Even with your five PGA Tour wins, you don’t think there’s anything that can top that? No, I don’t think there is. Has your life changed at all since the Open? Sure, more people notice me. A lot of people call me unknown, which is kind of funny to me because I’ve been doing this for 24 years. I certainly wasn’t unknown before the Open, but a lot of people watched that golf tournament so it’s been an amazing reception over the last six months. It’s been a lot of fun. When you go out to dinner, do people ask for autographs? Sure, more than they used to. That’s fine, too, because it’s part of the deal. It’s all good. I don’t mind it at all. Most people are very good about it. It definitely hasn’t affected me. It’s kind of cool sometimes. How often do you think about the experience at Torrey Pines? Do you think about a missed putt here or there and how it could have been different? The only putt that really disturbed me was on the 90th hole to win. It just never broke. I was kind of shocked. I’d like to have that one again. Other than that, I don’t know what else to say. Going over five days and 91 holes of golf, I don’t know what else I could have done. I was pretty pleased with how I played for that long of a time. Have you and Tiger hung out since the Open? No, I’ve talked to him one time. He’s busy. He’s got the new baby on the way, and Sammy’s getting older. He’s been busy getting his knee ready. I call his manager every once in a while to see how he’s doing, how he’s feeling. I don’t talk to him that much. I see him at the golf course or at a tour event and we talk for a few minutes. That’s about it. You joined Bel-Air Country Club toward the end of last year. What made you want to become a member there? It’s one of my favorite places in the whole world. George Thomas is one of my favorite designers. It’s a great place to practice, it’s a great training course for me, the membership is remarkably cool and it’s just a great place to be. I’m an actual real member who pays, which is what I want because I just want to be like the rest of the guys. Where in L.A. do you live? I live with a friend here, Bradley Shaw, in Brentwood. I’ll be in L.A. permanently, but I’m a Florida resident. I’ll probably always have a Florida residence, but I’m going to be out here most of the time. Have you embraced a Hollywood lifestyle out here? No, I just have my places I like to go and have a few friends out here. There’s no Hollywood in me. Do you think you’re a low-key guy? I’m just kind of a creature of habit. I do the same thing and have a few good buddies in town and just kind of hang — especially now that I’m playing a lot of golf and getting ready for the season. |
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