This year marks the 16th playing of the Evian Championship on the LPGA Tour, with the first playing of the event happening back in 2000. That year Annika Sorenstam defeated rival Karrie Webb in a playoff with a dramatic eagle on the first playoff hole. The victory was one of five for Sorenstam that season and the 21st of her career. Here’s a look at what else was happening in the world of golf and in the news in 2000. #FlashbackFriday
Pepper Gets Final Win
In her 12th year on Tour, Dottie Pepper won her 17th and final event at the 2000 Arch Wireless Championship, defeating Rachel Hetherington by three strokes for her last victory. Pepper announced her retirement from professional golf in July 2004.
A Winning Year for Webb
Karrie Webb dominated the 2000 season on the LPGA Tour, winning seven times including two impressive victories in the majors. Webb ran away from the field at the Nabisco Championship, winning by 10-strokes. She also won the U.S. Women’s Open in convincing fashion with a 5-stroke victory. Webb went on to sweep the season ending honors including Player of the Year, the Vare Trophy and the money title.
Tiger Takes Over on PGA Tour
Over on the PGA Tour, 2000 was the year of Tiger Woods, who won eight times that year including three consecutive major championships. Woods won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15-strokes, then followed that up with an 8-stroke victory at The Open Championship at St. Andrews and ended the season by defeating Bob May in a playoff at Valhalla Golf Club to win the PGA Championship.
In Other News
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married in July 2000, George W. Bush was elected president of the United States and the hit reality show “Survivor” made its debut.