Mark O’Meara played his last game of competitive golf on September 21. He had already announced his retirement ahead of the PURE Insurance Championship, and well, as the day approached it got all the more overwhelming. The 67-year-old has spent 44 years of his life pursuing the first love of his life – the game of golf.
Well, things had to get emotional for him. While teeing off at the 18th hole, he could not hold back his tears while being interviewed, as he spoke about the impact golf has had on his life. But the question is, why did he choose the PURE Insurance Championship to retire, instead of retiring at the end of the season?
Mark O’Meara’s career began at the Pebble Beach Golf Course
Mark O’Meara has won five times at the Pebble Beach Golf course. This was a record that he had set with one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport – Phil Mickelson. He won it from 1975 to 1979, and this is the one he is the most proud of. Additionally, he also believes that it is one of the most outstanding places in the whole world to be. But well, that’s not all.
For O’Meara, it all started at Pebble Beach. At 22, while still playing college golf, he triumphed in the pro-am there, which propelled him to additional victories that year, including the US Amateur and the Mexican Amateur.
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In his rookie season as a professional, he finished tied for third and once again claimed the pro-am title. One of his most cherished memories from the course was playing alongside his father, Bob O’Meara, during the pro-am in 1986. They teamed up again in 1990 and emerged victorious in the tournament. The veteran golfer described the experience as surreal, stating, “Playing in a PGA Tour event with your father is truly amazing.”
O’Meara’s final triumph at Pebble Beach occurred in 1997 when he bested both Tiger Woods and David Duval. What are your thoughts about Mark O’Meara’s retirement? Let us know in the comments section below!
