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He nearly stole the 2008 US Open away from Tiger Woods and when it was over, commentators had Rocco Mediate riding off into the sunset. At online betting sites the likes of BodogLife, oddsmakers thought so little of Mediate they made him a 125/1 long shot to win the 2008 British Open. That's a payout of $12,500 for every $100 bet for those of you doing the math.
Rocco Mediate will have none of it, at least not in the early stages of the tournament, where he topped the leaderboard.
Mediate, who lasted 91 holes before Woods dispatched him to win the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, birdied his last two holes Thursday to shoot a one-under 69 at the British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
"I believe a little bit more now than I used to after the U.S. Open with Tiger," said Mediate. "It was the most amazing experience of my life on the golf course.
"Whether I shoot three more 69s and win this golf tournament, I don't know if it can be as exciting. No disrespect, but that was the most amazing thing I've ever been a part of in my life."
Mediate also has many friends who read the Gambling911.com website being that he himself is a highly acclaimed poker player - though he couldn't participate in this year's World Series of Poker events.
There has been some interesting discussion as to how Mediate's poker experience has helped him to develop skill and foster prowess on the golf course.
Wicked Chops Poker first saw Mediate in action at last year's WSOP ME, where he eventually outlasted over 80 percent of the field.
While we could instantly tell that Rocco was good with diamonds, hearts, and spades, it turns out that Mediate is particularly skilled with clubs.
Mediate, who acts as an on-course reporter for the Golf Channel, has played in the 2005 World Series of Poker's Main Event, as well as the 2001 Blem Classic of Las Vegas.
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Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
Originally published July 17, 2008 3:23 pm EST
