Twenty years ago this month, Tiger Woods returned to Medinah No. 3—the same course where he captured his second major title in 1999—and delivered a performance that signaled his evolution from a prodigy into a complete champion. At the 2006 PGA Championship, Woods didn't just win; he dominated, adding another Wanamaker Trophy to his growing collection with a masterclass in both power and precision.
Golfweek's Jeff Babineau captured the essence of Woods' game that week: on Saturday, he was a brilliant ball-striker, firing a 65 that left the field in awe. On Sunday, he transformed into a relentless closer, relying on sharp bunker play and exceptional putting to seal the victory. It was a display of versatility that had become his trademark.
"He has more desire than anybody I've ever come across," said Steve Williams, Woods' caddie at the time. "If you have the desire and the work ethic to make it happen, it's going to happen."
That desire was on full display during a remarkable stretch: after an early exit at the U.S. Open, Woods finished second, first, first, and first. It was a run that revived memories of his legendary 1999 and 2000 seasons, when he won 16 times and captured four majors. But this was a different Tiger—older, wiser, and armed with a deeper arsenal of shots.
"That makes me feel old," Woods said with a smile at Medinah. "Compared to how I was here in '99, I just have a better understanding of how to get more out of a round and how to handle emotions better."
The evolution was evident in every shot. In the third round, Woods hit a towering 3-iron on the par-3 13th that seemed to drop straight down onto the green. "It was something I've never seen before," said Chris Riley, who had competed against Woods for nearly 20 years. During the final round, Woods added a precise 60-yard bunker shot with an open-faced 8-iron at No. 14 and a bold 255-yard fairway wood to the green at No. 7—shots that showcased his improved distance control and refined understanding of his swing.
As Woods began that Sunday tied for the lead, the golf world knew they were witnessing something special. This wasn't just another win; it was a statement from a player who had grown from a raw talent into a complete golfer, one who had learned to get more out of every round and handle the pressure of a major championship with the calm of a seasoned veteran.