At times during Monday’s US Open play-off between world number one Tiger Woods and veteran Rocco Mediate, it was difficult to determine who was mentally bullying whom.

Woods’ standing as world number has been due in no small part to his ability to psyche out his opponents. But that didn’t seem to work against the 45-year-old Mediate, a veteran on the PGA Tour but a mere pup when it comes to slugging it out with the best on golf’s premier stage.

In fact, it was Mediate, bubbling in his ever-present smile, loose limbs and distinctive shot routine with club held high above his head with both arms, who seemed to be winning the mental game.

Tiger appeared to be sailing at the 10th when he took a three-stroke play-off lead but with three holes remaining, Mediate had turned the tables and led by one.

In the end, Tiger decided to go back to basics and just do the simple things well. And one of the simplest tasks on a golf course for him is to birdie a par-five. That’s what he did on the 90th hole to force Mediate into double overtime, this time sudden death.

And on the 91st hole, Mediate’s magic finally deserted him as Tiger tapped in for par and watched his opponent miss the putt that would have extended the contest yet again.

Woods had won his 14th major title and probably his hardest victory ever, stretching over five days, 91 holes, a painful left knee and a worthy opponent.

Thousands of San Diego golf fans flocked to the Torrey Pines club to witness the Monday play-off of the US Open, which unlike other majors is decided over 18 holes.

And the two golfers certainly didn’t disappoint them. While no one really brought their A game, it was great drama nevertheless. After Woods finally won, he dropped his game face and the emotions of the week appeared to overcome him as he carried his young daughter and remembered his father Earl, who died two years ago.

When the dust settled, the status of Woods as a modern sporting icon became clear. His 14th major edged him closer to the record of 18 currently held by Jack Nicklaus. It was his third US Open triumph and, given the circumstances, was his best major win, as he said in a Yahoo! article:

“I think this is the best. This week had a lot of doubt to it, to be honest with you. I need to take a little bit of a break. It’s been sore a while.”

Woods went into the tournament without any proper preparation having undergone knee surgery just days after finishing second at April’s US Masters. He was clearly in pain on Saturday, and despite taking medication, was often wincing in pain after big tee-shots on Sunday and Monday.

He said in an interview afterwards that he was glad the tournament is over and that he would be taking a break to help his knee fully recover.

For Mediate, the greatest few days of his career are now past him. Despite the disappointment that surely must have gripped him at the end, he kept smiling and vowed to treasure the day.

Just one year ago, Mediate was thinking about retiring because of a bad back. Now, he has gone from 158 in the world back into the top 50. He said:

“It was unbelievable. Yeah, this is huge for me. It just showed me that I still can compete and I want to keep competing. I never quit. I never quit, and I’ve been beaten down a few times. I got what I wanted. I got a chance to beat the best man in the world, and I came up just a touch short. But I think I had him a little scared once, which was great. He just said ‘Great fight!’ to me and that makes it a little better, I think.”

Woods also paid tribute to Mediate and said he had never once thought he had the play-off wrapped up because he knew of his opponent’s tenacity. Said Woods:

“I already knew that about Rocco. He’s not only one of the nicest guys, but people don’t realize how much of a competitor he is. He reminds me a lot of (Lee) Trevino how he plays: just talking and enjoying it and smiling and having a great time with it. But when it comes down to it, when it’s time to hit the shot, he goes into his own little world. People don’t realize that. After he does hit the shot he comes out and goes, ‘Blah, blah, blah, having a good time.’ But right before each shot he gets into his own little zone. And it’s pretty cool to see.”