The Open Championship, often referred to as the British Open, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf. Over the years, it has produced countless unforgettable moments that have defined careers, shattered dreams, and cemented legacies. Here are eight of the greatest moments in Open history that still resonate with fans today.
1. Tiger Woods' Dominance at St Andrews (2000)
In 2000, Tiger Woods delivered a masterclass at the Old Course, winning by a staggering eight strokes. His victory completed the career Grand Slam, making him the youngest player ever to achieve the feat. Woods' precision and power were unmatched, leaving the competition in awe.
2. Jean van de Velde's Collapse (1999)
One of the most heartbreaking moments in golf history unfolded at Carnoustie in 1999. Jean van de Velde held a three-shot lead on the final hole but made a series of disastrous decisions, including wading into the Barry Burn. His triple-bogey led to a playoff, which he lost to Paul Lawrie.
3. Tom Watson's Near-Miss (2009)
At 59 years old, Tom Watson nearly became the oldest major champion in history at Turnberry. Leading by one on the 72nd hole, he missed an eight-foot putt for par, then lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink. Despite the loss, his performance remains one of the most inspiring in Open history.
4. Rory McIlroy's Record-Breaking Win (2014)
Rory McIlroy dominated Royal Liverpool in 2014, winning wire-to-wire and finishing with a two-shot victory. His explosive driving and clutch putting set a new standard, earning him his first Claret Jug and third major title.
5. Jack Nicklaus' Duel with Tom Watson (1977)
The 'Duel in the Sun' at Turnberry is legendary. Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson went head-to-head in a thrilling final-round battle, with Watson ultimately prevailing by one stroke. Their sportsmanship and skill remain a benchmark for greatness.
6. Darren Clarke's Emotional Triumph (2011)
After years of near-misses, Darren Clarke finally claimed his first major at Royal St George's in 2011. The Northern Irishman's victory was emotional, coming just a few years after the death of his wife. His win resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
7. Henrik Stenson vs. Phil Mickelson (2016)
The final round at Royal Troon in 2016 was a historic shootout between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson. Stenson's record-breaking 63 secured his first major, while Mickelson's 65 would have won almost any other Open. Their duel is considered one of the greatest in major championship history.
8. Shane Lowry's Home Victory (2019)
Shane Lowry's win at Royal Portrush was a fairy-tale moment for Irish golf. Playing in front of a raucous home crowd, Lowry held his nerve to win by six strokes, becoming the first Irishman in 68 years to lift the Claret Jug on home soil.
These moments remind us why The Open Championship is so special—its unpredictability, drama, and history make it a must-watch event every year.
