The most dramatic flips in majors
Imagine leading a major golf championship with just one round to go, the green jacket nearly draped over your shoulders, or the claret jug almost in your grasp. Now, picture that slipping away in a whirlwind of bogeys, missed putts, and an opponent’s sudden surge. Welcome to the world of Medinah Meltdowns, where leads vanish overnight and golf history is rewritten in the most dramatic fashion.
- Jean Van de Velde’s 1999 Open Collapse at Carnoustie
- Tom Watson’s Heartbreak in 2009 at Turnberry
- Europe’s Stunning Comeback in the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah
Jean Van de Velde’s 1999 Open Collapse at Carnoustie
It was the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie, and Jean Van de Velde, the Frenchman, stood on the brink of an unlikely victory. With a seemingly insurmountable three-shot lead as he teed off on the 18th hole, the Claret Jug was calling his name.
Could he hold his nerve?
What followed was one of the most infamous collapses in golf history. Van de Velde chose aggression over caution, leading to a series of misjudgments and mishaps, culminating in a triple-bogey. He ended up in a playoff, which he lost to Paul Lawrie, completing a shocking day that remains etched in the annals of sports lore.
More on this moment at The Open.
Tom Watson’s Heartbreak in 2009 at Turnberry
The 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry was set for a fairy tale ending. Tom Watson, at 59, was on the verge of becoming the oldest major champion in history. All that stood between him and a historic sixth Claret Jug was the 72nd hole.
Could he defy time and clinch the title?
However, fate had a cruel twist in store. Watson’s approach shot bounded over the green, leading to a bogey that dropped him into a playoff with Stewart Cink, who ultimately outplayed him. Watson’s near-miraculous run ended in heartbreak, a poignant reminder of golf’s unpredictable nature.
Relive the drama on PGA Tour.
Europe’s Stunning Comeback in the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah
The 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club is perhaps the pinnacle of golfing comebacks. Dubbed the ‘Miracle at Medinah,’ it saw the European team, inspired by the spirit of the late Seve Ballesteros, overturn a seemingly insurmountable deficit on the final day.
Was the American team complacent, or was it European magic?
Entering the final day trailing 10-6, Europe mounted an unprecedented rally, winning 8 and tying 1 of the 12 singles matches. Martin Kaymer’s clutch putt on the 18th hole sealed the victory, completing one of the most stunning reversals in Ryder Cup history and sports overall.
Explore detailed stats at Ryder Cup Official Site.
The Legacy of These Moments
These aren’t just tales of loss and victory; they are profound lessons in resilience, strategy, and the sheer unpredictability of sports. Each story is a testament to why golf remains a beloved spectacle: it’s not just about playing against the course or the opponent, but often against history itself.
