Some might say it was in the 1994 US Amateur at the TPC at Sawgrass when he uncorked the fist pump on the famous 17th green in the final match after making a big putt to take the lead in the match for the first time with one hole to play. Tiger had come from behind to win after trailing in the championship match by 4 holes after the morning 18 holes of the 36 hole match and was down 5 with 12 holes to play in the match. At the famous Island Green 17th at TPC Tiger holed the 14 footer from just off the green and the fist pump soon followed.
But how many fans were really watching Tiger at that stage of his career? So I believe that the fist pump truly became Tigers signature expression when he holed a 35 foot eagle putt on the 29th hole to cut the lead to 3 holes in the 1996 US Amateur at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club and then another 35 foot birdie putt to tie the match on the 35th hole with one to play. Tiger was once again down by 5 holes in this match as he was in 1994 and again came from behind to win in extra holes.
Which is it? Take your pick, but I have to say it was here in Oregon at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club where Tiger Woods made the fist pump one of the more recognizable and exciting celebrations in golf.
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