THE OPEN: Five of the most memorable wins at The Open
July 19, 2023
First played as far back as 1860 when Willie Park became the first winner of The Open at Prestwick Golf Club, 2023 will be the 151st time that the famous Claret Jug has been played for.
Over the years there have been many great duels. Legends have been created and the mighty have been felled. As we wait eagerly the next installment of this famous tournament we take a quick look back at some of the events most famous wins.
The ‘Duel in the Sun’: Tom Watson vs. Jack Nicklaus (1977)
The 1977 Open Championship at Turnberry is etched in golf history as one of the greatest duels ever witnessed. Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus engaged in a legendary battle, with both players delivering extraordinary shot-making and mental fortitude. In scorching conditions, Watson prevailed, sinking a birdie putt on the final hole to secure a one-stroke victory over Nicklaus and claim the second of his five Open titles. The “Duel in the Sun” remains an iconic moment in The Open’s storied past.
The Claret Jug returns to Scotland: Paul Lawrie (1999)
In a remarkable comeback, Paul Lawrie captured the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie, marking the first time in over 30 years that the Claret Jug returned to Scottish soil. Lawrie trailed by ten strokes entering the final round but capitalized on Jean van de Velde’s dramatic collapse on the 72nd hole to force a playoff. Van der Velde choked in horror fashion with a triple bogey that opened the door for a three-way playoff that also included the 1997 champion Justin Leonard. Lawrie held his nerve and prevailed in the four-hole playoff, securing a historic victory for his home country. Interesting Lawrie’s 72-round score of six over par was the highest winning score since 1938 when Reg Whitcombe won at Royal St George’s with a score of 15 over.
The Battle of Troon: Henrik Stenson vs. Phil Mickelson (2016)
The 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon produced a memorable battle between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson. The two players separated themselves from the field, engaging in an extraordinary head-to-head clash. Stenson produced a final round for the ages, shooting an eight-under 63 to finish with a record-breaking total of 20-under par. Mickelson’s brilliant performance earned him a runner-up finish, with both players setting new scoring records for a major championship. Stenson also became the first Scandinavian player to win a major.
Seve’s iconic victory: Seve Ballesteros (1984)
Seve Ballesteros, the charismatic Spanish golfer, delivered one of his most memorable performances at the 1984 Open Championship held at St. Andrews. Ballesteros showcased his exceptional creativity and shot-making abilities around the challenging links course, securing a two-shot victory over Tom Watson and Bernhard Langer. Ballesteros became the first Continental European to win The Open since 1907, solidifying his status as one of golf’s most iconic figures. All the drama in this 113th Open Championship happened on the final two holes which started with Watson and the Spaniard tied for the lead. Watson bogeyed the famous 17th or Road Hole to finish with a 73 while Ballesteros birdied the 18th hole for 69 to open up a two-shot gap and end Watson’s bid for a third consecutive Open title.
The homecoming triumph: Tiger Woods (2006)
After a period of personal and professional challenge that saw Woods take time away from golf following the death of his father Earl, he returned triumphantly to The Open in 2006 and captured his third Claret Jug. Held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, the venue that is once again being used in 2023, Woods dominated the field, displaying his renowned shot precision and mental toughness. He finished with a stunning score of 18-under par, winning by two strokes over Chris DiMarco. The victory marked Woods’ 11th major championship and affirmed his enduring greatness in the world of golf.
Continue Reading >>
Bet on Sports
THE OPEN: Five of the most memorable wins at The Open
First played as far back as 1860 when Willie Park became the first winner of The Open at Prestwick Golf Club, 2023 will be the 151st time that the famous Claret Jug has been played for.
Over the years there have been many great duels. Legends have been created and the mighty have been felled. As we wait eagerly the next installment of this famous tournament we take a quick look back at some of the events most famous wins.
The ‘Duel in the Sun’: Tom Watson vs. Jack Nicklaus (1977)
The 1977 Open Championship at Turnberry is etched in golf history as one of the greatest duels ever witnessed. Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus engaged in a legendary battle, with both players delivering extraordinary shot-making and mental fortitude. In scorching conditions, Watson prevailed, sinking a birdie putt on the final hole to secure a one-stroke victory over Nicklaus and claim the second of his five Open titles. The “Duel in the Sun” remains an iconic moment in The Open’s storied past.
The Claret Jug returns to Scotland: Paul Lawrie (1999)
In a remarkable comeback, Paul Lawrie captured the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie, marking the first time in over 30 years that the Claret Jug returned to Scottish soil. Lawrie trailed by ten strokes entering the final round but capitalized on Jean van de Velde’s dramatic collapse on the 72nd hole to force a playoff. Van der Velde choked in horror fashion with a triple bogey that opened the door for a three-way playoff that also included the 1997 champion Justin Leonard. Lawrie held his nerve and prevailed in the four-hole playoff, securing a historic victory for his home country. Interesting Lawrie’s 72-round score of six over par was the highest winning score since 1938 when Reg Whitcombe won at Royal St George’s with a score of 15 over.
The Battle of Troon: Henrik Stenson vs. Phil Mickelson (2016)
The 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon produced a memorable battle between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson. The two players separated themselves from the field, engaging in an extraordinary head-to-head clash. Stenson produced a final round for the ages, shooting an eight-under 63 to finish with a record-breaking total of 20-under par. Mickelson’s brilliant performance earned him a runner-up finish, with both players setting new scoring records for a major championship. Stenson also became the first Scandinavian player to win a major.
Seve’s iconic victory: Seve Ballesteros (1984)
Seve Ballesteros, the charismatic Spanish golfer, delivered one of his most memorable performances at the 1984 Open Championship held at St. Andrews. Ballesteros showcased his exceptional creativity and shot-making abilities around the challenging links course, securing a two-shot victory over Tom Watson and Bernhard Langer. Ballesteros became the first Continental European to win The Open since 1907, solidifying his status as one of golf’s most iconic figures. All the drama in this 113th Open Championship happened on the final two holes which started with Watson and the Spaniard tied for the lead. Watson bogeyed the famous 17th or Road Hole to finish with a 73 while Ballesteros birdied the 18th hole for 69 to open up a two-shot gap and end Watson’s bid for a third consecutive Open title.
The homecoming triumph: Tiger Woods (2006)
After a period of personal and professional challenge that saw Woods take time away from golf following the death of his father Earl, he returned triumphantly to The Open in 2006 and captured his third Claret Jug. Held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, the venue that is once again being used in 2023, Woods dominated the field, displaying his renowned shot precision and mental toughness. He finished with a stunning score of 18-under par, winning by two strokes over Chris DiMarco. The victory marked Woods’ 11th major championship and affirmed his enduring greatness in the world of golf.