15 Iconic Golf Moments That Made Everyone a PGA Fan (Even If Just for a Minute)
These are the jaw-dropping, heart-racing golf moments that turned casual onlookers into die-hard fans, even if only for a minute, proving the game can deliver pure, unforgettable drama.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Golf may be famous for serene fairways and courteous applause, but these 15 legendary moments broke the mold and introduced raw, unadulterated drama to the sport. From Tiger’s defying chip to Watson’s near-miracle at 59, these true-life tales had even non-golf enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. Whether it was victory, heartbreak, or plain magic, every moment made the world pause and watch even if only for a minute.
1. Tiger Woods’ Chip-in at the 2005 Masters (16th Hole)
Image from Tiger Woods
With the ball resting on the lip of the rough, Tiger executed one of the most thrilling shots in the history of the Masters. His chip dropped spot on the slope, crept down slowly, waited at the cup, and then fell in for birdie. The crowd went wild, and Nike couldn’t have scripted a better commercial moment.
2. Jack Nicklaus Wins the 1986 Masters at Age 46
Image from Golf
Left for dead as being over the hill, Jack charged on Sunday with a 30 on the back nine to take his sixth green jacket. His birdie on 17 and signature “Yes sir!” response from announcer Verne Lundquist are frozen in golf lore. It was the ultimate sporting comeback by a legend nobody thought would recover.
3. Phil Mickelson’s First Major Win – 2004 Masters
Image from Fox News
After years of being dubbed the best golfer without a major, Phil finally broke through with a dramatic birdie putt on the 18th green. He leaped with joy, fists in the air — “Lefty” was finally a major champion. Fans who had rooted for him for over a decade felt the weight lift right with him.
4. Payne Stewart’s 1999 U.S. Open Victory
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Stewart made a game-saving 15-foot par putt on the last hole to beat Phil Mickelson by one. Dressed in his signature knickers and cap, he then hugged Mickelson in a classic display of sportsmanship. Stewart died just four months later, which made the victory all the more tragic.
5. Rory McIlroy’s 2011 U.S. Open Rout
Image from Wikipedia
Having fainted during the Masters two months prior, 22-year-old Rory returned with an 8-shot win at Congressional. He shattered several records, such as the lowest 72-hole score in the history of the U.S. Open. It was a world coming-out party for a child many began to refer to as the next Tiger.
6. Tom Watson Nears Winning the 2009 Open at 59
Image from The Open
Watson was a putt from one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. At age 59, he took the lead at the British Open on the last hole but failed to sink an 8-footer that would have won it. Although he lost in a playoff, his streak amazed the world of sports.
7. Bubba Watson’s Hook Shot from the Pines – 2012 Masters Playoff
Image from KTLA
At a playoff, Bubba hit deep in the woods on Augusta’s 10th hole. Then, he hooked a 52-degree wedge almost 40 yards around the bend to 10 feet from the hole. It showcased creativity, courage, and flash—pure Bubba magic that left all who watched aghast.
8. Jean van de Velde’s Collapse – 1999 Open Championship
Image from Golfweek - USA Today
Requiring only a double bogey to win at Carnoustie, Van de Velde’s collapse on the 18th was agonizing and unforgettable. He drove into the rough, then the water, and even stood in the Barry Burn debating a heroic shot. The meltdown cost him the championship and gave golf one of its most discussed conclusions.
9. Tiger Woods Wins 2019 Masters
Image from WKRG
Eleven years since his last major, Tiger’s comeback to the top was the greatest redemption tale. Injuries, personal demons, and doubts had consigned him to history, but he won again at Augusta. The roar from the crowd was spine-tingling, and fans across the globe partied like it was 2005 once more.
10. Jordan Spieth’s Quadruple-Bogey at 2016 Masters – and Collapse
Image from Golf
After dominating the entire week, Spieth’s collapse on the 12th hole—two balls in the water—stunned the golf world. It created an opportunity for Danny Willett to take the win, but the moment was really about the heartbreak. Fans couldn’t turn away as one of the game’s golden boys collapsed live.
11. Justin Leonard’s Ryder Cup Putt – 1999 at Brookline
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Leonard made a 45-footer on the 17th to complete a heroic U.S. rally against Europe. His team and supporters rushed the green to celebrate before the match was even finished—a divisive but memorable moment. Love it or detest it, it fueled golf’s fiercest rivalry.
12. John Daly’s 1991 PGA Championship Victory as Ninth Alternate
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A wild card with a booming game and a mullet, Daly came into the tournament at the eleventh hour. He took it with brazen play and became an instant cult figure. Fans adored his blue-collar attitude and his fairy-tale finish from nowhere.
13. Seve Ballesteros’ Fist Pump at 1984 Open Championship
Image from The R&A
On the 18th at St. Andrews, Seve made a curling birdie putt to defeat Tom Watson. His fist pump, immortalized forever, became golf’s most recognizable image. The charismatic Spaniard revealed the artistry and emotions of the sport.
14. Y.E. Yang Defeats Tiger Woods – 2009 PGA Championship
Image from Official World Golf Ranking - Player Profile
Tiger had never lost a major when leading after 54 holes until Yang came charging back with fearless iron shots and an eagle at the 14th hole. Yang’s last birdie at the 18th hole sealed the stunning upset. The golf world finally saw Tiger blink, and nobody was ready for it.
15. Collin Morikawa’s Drive on 16 at 2020 PGA Championship
Image from PGA Tour
In the excitement of a seven-way tie, Morikawa pulled out on the par-4 16th and hit the green 294 yards to 7 feet. He made the eagle putt and all but sealed his first major. It was youth genius and steely efficiency that turned heads across the land.