The top moment in Quicken Loans National history
On Friday, July 1, 2012, a derecho ripped through the Mid-Atlantic area destroying homes, uprooting trees and flooding streets. Five states were declared under a state of emergency, as the storm passed through the eastern half of the United States. The derecho produced numerous large thunderstorms and 80 mph winds. Right in its path was Congressional Country Club and the Quicken Loans National.
In the midst of what will be remembered as one of the most devastating storms in the history of the region, tournament host Tiger Woods fired a 67 during Saturday’s round.
Although Mother Nature couldn’t slow down Woods over the weekend, the derecho did cause major logistical issues with the Blue Course at Congressional. Saturday morning found the fairways covered with debris, power lines were down and trees split right down the middle. Maintenance crews worked to make the course playable, but with significant damage to the course, only volunteers, media and maintenance staff were allowed on site for the third round of play. Only hours earlier, players weren’t sure there would even be a third round to play, let alone a final round that would bring in over 48,000 fans to see Woods win it all.
On Sunday, Woods stayed focused and held off challenger Bo Van Pelt by two shots. Thousands celebrated along with Woods by the 18th green as he made par to win the tournament. This win overtook Jack Nicklaus for second place on the all-time PGA TOUR winners’ list with 74 wins. As tournament host and two-time tournament champion, Woods holds the top spot in the countdown of the top 10 moments in Quicken Loans National history.
