In the world of professional golf, the pressure to perform is immense. Yet, even the biggest stars have faced astonishing meltdowns during pivotal moments. This article covers some of the most unforgettable meltdowns in golf history, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of professional athletes and the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Mito Pereira at the PGA Championship (2022)
Mito Pereira, PGA Championship (2022) One hole. That’s how close Mito Pereira was to a first major on his maiden PGA Championship outing in 2022. The world No. 100 saw his fairy-tale story become a horror movie at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa as Pereira, leading by a shot, struck his tee drive into the water at the 18th hole…
Rory McIlroy at The Masters (2011)
A baby-faced McIlroy looked primed to claim his first major title at The Masters in 2011. The 21-year-old teed off with a commanding four-shot final day lead in Augusta, yet a skewed drive into the trees sparked a catastrophic collapse for the Northern Irishman.
Sam Snead at the US Open (1947)
Sam Snead, US Open (1947) With seven major championships and 82 PGA Tour victories, Snead won pretty much everything except the US Open. He came within inches of capturing the elusive title in 1947 before missing a crucial putt.
Arnold Palmer at the US Open (1966)
Arnold Palmer, US Open (1966) Carrying a seven-shot lead into the back nine, Palmer bogeyed five of the next seven holes, dramatically handing control to Billy Casper.
Ed Sneed at The Masters (1979)
Ed Sneed, The Masters (1979) Three up with three to play, Sneed endured a trio of bogeys, landing in sudden-death playoff, which he ultimately lost.
Scott Hoch at The Masters (1989)
Scott Hoch, The Masters (1989) Hoch missed an agonizingly short putt during a sudden-death playoff, where victory slipped away.
Mark Calcavecchia at the Ryder Cup (1991)
Mark Calcavecchia, Ryder Cup (1991) Four up with four holes to play, Calcavecchia lost all remaining holes, shaking the match’s outcome.
Greg Norman at The Masters (1996)
Greg Norman, The Masters (1996) Leading after three rounds, Norman fell apart in the final round, resulting in a stunning defeat.
Jean Van De Velde at the British Open (1999)
Jean Van De Velde, British Open (1999) The Frenchman suffered a catastrophic collapse on the final hole, losing the championship in a historic fashion.
Lorena Ochoa at the US Women’s Open (2005)
Lorena Ochoa, US Women’s Open (2005) A leading performance ended with a shocking final hole collapse that cost her the title.
Phil Mickelson at the US Open (2006)
Phil Mickelson, US Open (2006) A double bogey on the final hole kept Mickelson from securing this long-awaited title.
Tom Watson at the British Open (2009)
Tom Watson, British Open (2009) On the cusp of victory at 59, Watson’s approach shot ended his hopes as he lost in a playoff.
Dustin Johnson at the US Open (2010)
Dustin Johnson, US Open (2010) Johnson’s three-shot lead evaporated due to a disastrous start to the final round.
Jason Dufner at the PGA Championship (2011)
Jason Dufner, PGA Championship (2011) After a strong start, Dufner’s game unraveled, leading to a playoff defeat.
Adam Scott at the British Open (2012)
Adam Scott, British Open (2012) A four-shot lead was wasted as Scott ended his round with four straight bogeys.
Jordan Spieth at The Masters (2016)
Jordan Spieth, The Masters (2016) From leading comfortably, back-to-back bogeys led to a shocking quadruple bogey, handing the title to Danny Willett.
Lexi Thompson at the US Women’s Open (2021)
Lexi Thompson, US Women’s Open (2021) Leading by four strokes, Thompson’s major ambitions ended with a back-nine collapse.
Conclusion
These moments in golfing history are etched into the memories of fans and players alike, illustrating the fine line between triumph and disaster in the sport.
