Greatest Finishes in Golf History

Something about golf lends itself to drama. The tensest moments in sports can come moments before or immediately after a golf swing. Watching a ball in the air, on its way to the hole, creates a crazy, all-encompassing source of suspense for both players and fans.

The results can be captivating, whether players step up to the occasion or melt down under the overwhelming pressure. Golf is the only sport where fans get to see it all happen in real time. To witness all the varying levels of human emotion adds to the story, and the game has given the masses plenty to remember in its lengthy existence.

These are the greatest finishes in golf history.

Event: 2002 British Open

Date: July 18-21, 2002

Course: Muirfield Golf Links

Location: Gullane, Scotland

What was memorable: Ernie Els beat three other players in a playoff to win.

End result: Els finished with a total score of 278, six under par, to capture his third major.

Winner’s share: $1,106,140

With all eyes once again on Tiger Woods, Ernie Els stepped out of his shadow.

Woods removed himself from contention after an 81 on Saturday, while Els was locked in an intense battle for the lead.

In the end, Els had to beat three other men with a four-hole and sudden-death playoff to edge out his third major win.

Event: 1979 British Open

Date: July 18–21, 1979

Location: Lancashire, England

Course: Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club

What was memorable: Ballesteros intentionally hit a ball into the parking lot.

End result: Ballesteros finished with total score of 283, one under par, to win his first major.

Winner’s share: $31,500

The winds were insane at the 1979 British Open, forcing all but one player to shoot over par for the week.

That one player, Seve Ballesteros, took advantage of the wind on No. 16, intentionally hitting into an adjacent parking lot to give himself a downwind shot.

He stuck his next shot to 20 feet and held the Claret Jug for the first time.