The latter gave fellow competitors hope that Tiger Woods might be beatable in a major. After all, if the unsung May could push him, surely stalwarts like David Duval and Phil Mickelson could do the same at the Masters, denying Woods a record fourth-consecutive title.

They did, but couldn't close the deal.

Tiger Woods found his way past another great golfer, Phil Mickelson, to win at Augusta. (Reuters)

Both had their chances Sunday at Augusta National, where Woods waltzed to a record-breaking 12-stroke win in 1997. Missed putts cost them dearly, Duval failing to convert a par attempt from eight feet at No. 16 and a six-footer for birdie at No. 18, and Mickelson missed four putts from 10 feet or less and fell from contention after three-putting 16.

Woods wasn't perfect, giving both players hope with a careless three-putt at the par-5 15th. Still, he never surrendered the lead after a birdie at the 11th hole and put them away in workmanlike fashion. In the end, he was tougher and made fewer mistakes.

Woods also hit more greens and drove the ball further than anyone else.

Which is why he remains the undisputed king of golf and will be heavily-favored at the U.S. Open at Southern Hills in June. For those who questioned whether Sunday's victory represented a modern-day Grand Slam -- history and the calendar say it did not -- save your breath. Woods might accomplish the feat in 2001.

Think about it. He has won in every way imaginable against all kinds of players in different conditions. Ernie Els, one of the best players on the planet, was runner-up in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, but finished 15 strokes back. He was also second at St. Andrews -- by seven strokes. May gave Woods his biggest scare, but couldn't put him away.

Woods has won by routs, comebacks, a playoff and close shaves. He has flashed his "A" game, "B" game and in-between game, but has always risen to the occasion when the pressure is on.

Simply put, he hates to lose. He works hard, is mentally tough and finds a way to win.

Woods doesn't try harder than Duval or Mickelson, who want desperately to secure one of the Big Four for their otherwise impressive resumes. Like all great champions, when he doesn't have his best stuff (which is rare), Woods digs deep within himself and gets the job done.

Make no mistake, we are watching history. Woods is achieving things that have never been done before and probably never will again. No matter how he makes it appear, golf is a difficult to master and even tougher to maintain.

Those who aren't intimidated by his brilliance are awed by his talent and patience. Chris DiMarco got a first-hand glimpse Saturday and left shaking his head. He couldn't believe the attention and distractions Woods faced but still ground out a 68.

"You get this every week?" DiMarco asked.

"Welcome to my world," said Woods.

As Woods teed off at the par-5 15th hole Sunday, a photographer snapped his picture. Somehow, Woods stopped at the top of his swing, backed away, then regained his focus and blasted another missile down the fairway. No one else could have done it.

More than two hours after Vijay Singh put a second green jacket on him, Woods was still in the clubhouse doing three-minute one-on-one television interviews with every major network, including the Golf Channel. Before that, he posed for a new Wheaties box that will tout the Grand Slam.

Woods was exhausted and his allergies were acting up. But he made time for everyone until security guards whisked him out of the door so he could go home, relax and enjoy his latest accomplishment with family and friends.

As much as Woods loves winning, it's the competition he craves. The hunt and chase are just as important as the trophy, maybe more so, which is why he will always cherish last year's PGA win. May extended him like few have and tested his heart and courage. Not surprisingly, Woods came through.

We expect that now, regardless of the circumstances. When he doesn't prevail, we are shocked. Even when Duval and Mickelson caught him Sunday, few figured he would lose.

Woods never panicked, kept plugging and made almost every crucial putt. Fittingly, he finished in style, holing a tough downhill putt for birdie on the 18th green to edge his friend Duval by two strokes.

Afterward, Duval seemed dazed and in a state of shock. Not so much for what he didn't do but for what Woods did. Duval and Mickelson gave their all and were totally spent, and it still wasn't enough.

As much as they have raised their games, they must continue to improve to win a major championship because Woods isn't going away. Both have the fortune/misfortune of competing against a legend during his peak.

Welcome to Tiger's world.