Golf, a game that can be as thrilling as it is unforgiving, has seen its fair share of dramatic moments. While triumphant victories are celebrated, the sport is equally defined by the heartbreaking collapses known as “chokes.” These moments, where players falter under pressure, are etched in golfing lore. Here, we recount some of the biggest chokes in golf history, where victory slipped through the fingers of some of the game’s finest.
Jean Van de Velde – 1999 Open Championship
One of the most infamous chokes in golf history occurred at the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie. Jean Van de Velde stood on the 18th tee with a three-shot lead, seemingly assured of victory. However, a series of disastrous decisions and shots led to a triple-bogey seven, forcing a playoff he would ultimately lose. Van de Velde’s collapse, featuring a shot from the Barry Burn, remains a cautionary tale about the perils of overconfidence and poor decision-making under pressure.
Greg Norman – 1996 Masters
Greg Norman’s 1996 Masters meltdown is perhaps the most heartbreaking. The “Great White Shark” entered the final round with a six-shot lead over Nick Faldo. However, a series of missed putts and errant shots resulted in a shocking 78, while Faldo played flawlessly to win by five strokes. Norman’s collapse at Augusta is a poignant example of how quickly fortunes can change in golf, turning a seemingly insurmountable lead into a devastating defeat.
Rory McIlroy – 2011 Masters
Rory McIlroy’s performance in the final round of the 2011 Masters is another classic choke. Leading by four strokes at the start of the day, McIlroy’s game unraveled on the back nine. A triple-bogey on the 10th hole was followed by a series of poor shots, leading to an 80 and a tie for 15th place. Despite this setback, McIlroy would go on to achieve major success, but his 2011 Masters collapse remains a stark reminder of the pressures at Augusta.
Adam Scott – 2012 Open Championship
Adam Scott’s collapse at the 2012 Open Championship is a tale of agony for the Australian. Leading by four shots with four holes to play, Scott bogeyed each of the final holes, allowing Ernie Els to snatch victory with a birdie on the 18th. Scott’s late-round stumble was a bitter pill to swallow, but he would later redeem himself with a win at the 2013 Masters.
Jordan Spieth – 2016 Masters
Jordan Spieth’s collapse at the 2016 Masters is another dramatic example. Defending his title and leading by five shots with nine holes to play, Spieth seemed set for another Green Jacket. However, a disastrous quadruple-bogey seven on the 12th hole derailed his round, and he eventually finished tied for second. Spieth’s misfortune at the par-3 12th is one of the most memorable collapses in Masters history.
Phil Mickelson – 2006 U.S. Open
Phil Mickelson’s 2006 U.S. Open choke at Winged Foot is a classic tale of risk gone wrong. Standing on the 18th tee with a one-shot lead, Mickelson’s decision to hit driver led to an errant shot into a hospitality tent. A series of poor decisions followed, resulting in a double-bogey that handed the title to Geoff Ogilvy. Mickelson’s collapse epitomizes the fine line between aggressive play and recklessness.
These moments of collapse are a stark reminder of the mental challenges inherent in golf. The sport’s greatest players are not immune to pressure, and their most significant mistakes often come at the most critical times. While these chokes are painful for the players involved, they contribute to the rich tapestry of golf history, illustrating the unpredictable and humbling nature of the game.
