The Loop

Strege: One Amazing Day After Another for Mediate

LA JOLLA, Calif. -- The gravity of the U.S. Open is not lost on Rocco Mediate, it just sometimes takes its leave, as he demonstrated late Sunday afternoon, when he playfully needled his playoff opponent.

"You'd better watch yourself tomorrow, Tiger," he said. "See, he's a little nervous right now."

Woods could only chuckle.

"He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet," Woods said. "He's been a friend of mine ever since I've been out here on tour. We'll talk (tomorrow), but we'll also understand we're trying to win a U.S. Open. And we'll have our moments where we'll go our separate ways and be focused for each and every shot."

Mediate, at 45 bidding to become the oldest ever to win the U.S. Open, was ecstatic at his play on Sunday (when he shot even-par 71) and the opportunity ahead of him.

"It was the most amazing day of golf I've ever experienced," he said. "Tomorrow is going to be pretty amazing, too. The thing that's most amazing is the man I'm going to play tomorrow has won 13 of these (major championships)."

--John Strege