Kyle Stanley – 8 Shots – 2012 Phoenix Open
The story starts with Kyle Stanley triple-bogeying the last hole to lose the Farmers Insurance Open. A week later, his redemption came at the 2012 Phoenix Open, where he started the final round eight shots behind the leader Spencer Levin. As fortune had it, Stanley’s 65 was enough to oust Spencer’s 75.
Gary Player – 7 shots – 1978 Masters
They don’t make them like Gary Player anymore. When the Black Knight was gunning for his third Green Jacket and ninth major during the 1978 Masters, the wheels of fortune seemed to be against him. The South African started Sunday with a seven shot deficit from leader Hubert Green. Nonetheless, after a slow start in the final round, Player birdied seven of his last ten holes to win by one shot.
Justin Thomas – 7 shots – 2022 PGA Championship
In style, Justin Thomas hoisted his second Wanamaker trophy at the 2022 PGA Championship, coming from seven shots and six players behind to achieve the unthinkable. Chilean Mito Pereira was the leader heading into the final round but blew it when he found water on his last hole. Thomas, known for seizing opportunities with precision, battled Will Zalatoris in a playoff to emerge victorious at Southern Hills.
Karrie Webb – 7 shots – 2006 Chevron Championship
All factors favored Lorena Ochoa to scoop the 2006 Chevron Championship, starting with an incredible round of 62 on Thursday. However, things took a twist on Sunday, with the Mexican dropping four shots in five holes and paving the way for Karrie Webb, Natalie Gulbis, and Michelle Wie. Webb started the day seven shots behind, but her eagle on the 18th led to a dramatic playoff with Ochoa, with the Aussie emerging victorious in sudden death.
Final Thoughts
Any experienced golfer will tell you that a bad start or a weak round doesn’t necessarily spell doom to your chances of winning a tournament. The ability to remain calm under pressure and not lose hope separates the ordinary players to the greats. The champions listed above survived what seemed to be hopeless situations and marched on with courage to seal their names in the books of golf history.