Best Golfing Moments Throughout the History of the Sport

Golfing Globes

Most of us know what the Golden Globe Awards are, but for those who don’t, they are awards handed out to outstanding individuals and moments within the TV and film industry. Today we are putting together our own spin on this as we unveil the Golfing Globe Awards. Here we will look at the greatest golfing moments in history, which include record-breaking achievements, unforgettable moments, and even the best golf feuds. So, let’s get straight down to it.

Most memorable photo

In 1984, after a gruelling three-man fight on the back nine, fan favourite Seve Ballesteros left it late to lift his second Claret Jug, describing it as, “The finest moment of my entire sports life.” Seve caressed a 12-footer on the 18th green at the St. Andrew Old Course, dropping the ball into the cup on its very last revolution and sending the crowd into raptures, while a smiling Seve candidly posed for one of the sport’s most memorable images.

Best golf shot

It’s fitting that the most incredible shot in golf history occurred on the most exciting day. There aren’t nearly enough superlatives in the English language to do this justice on that day. With a 10-6 lead coming into Sunday’s singles matches, the European team needed four points in 12 games to retain the Ryder Cup. On Sunday, no team had ever come back from a two-point disadvantage, so the victory was all but guaranteed. But something special was in the air that day.

Following a dynamic statement from captain Ben Crenshaw, the American team came out firing on all cylinders on Sunday, establishing big leads and winning the first seven matches of the day. The last two matches of the cup were Justin Leonard vs Jose Maria Olazabal and Payne Stewart vs Colin Montgomerie. Both were playing the 17th hole and were all square. Leonard’s final cup-clinching putt sparked a raucous celebration that has become one of the most memorable Ryder Cup moments in history.

Biggest upset

Francis Ouimet, a former caddie, stunned the golf world by winning the 1913 U.S. Open at Brookline’s The Country Club. More impressive was the way in which the 20-year-old triumphed, defeating British luminaries Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff on the same course where he used to carry club members’ golf bags. Instead, Ouimet had Eddie Lowery, 10, loop for him. The unusual narrative remains one of the sport’s most inspirational underdog stories. It was recounted in Mark Frost’s book, “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” which was later transformed into a 2007 Disney film of the same name.

Best record-breaking moment

There was never any doubt about the outcome, with Tiger Woods leading the final round of his first major tournament as a professional by nine strokes. The 18-hole masterclass of Augusta National, accomplished in 69 strokes, was fitting for a golfer whose talent and audacity was about to inspire a new generation of boys and girls to take up the sport. But instead of a crown, Tiger received a huge embrace. Earl Woods had anticipated this day for much longer than his 21-year-old son. With his 270 total, he broke the then Masters’ 72-hole scoring record, won by 12 strokes, and became the first African American to win a major.

Greatest comeback

Tiger Woods had failed to win a major championship since 2013. However, against all the odds, he won the 2018 Tour Championship despite feeling that his career was in the past after four back surgeries and many unsuccessful comebacks had driven him out of the game for years. As crowds flocked to East Lake Golf Club to catch a glimpse of history, chaos ensued on the 18th fairway. However, Tiger’s 80th PGA Tour victory was the beginning of better things.

Biggest shock

John Daly felt he had his name on the Claret Jug when Costantino Rocca duffed his chip shot into the “Valley of Sin” on the 72nd hole. To force a playoff, the Italian needed to sink a 65-foot putt. He hit his putt, and to his surprise, the ball slid into the hole, forcing a playoff and making one of The Open’s most memorable shots.

So, there you have it, the most significant moments in the history of golf. However, with so much talent in the game today, this list will likely grow to be much more extensive over the coming years.