Winning feels great. Although golf is conventionally associated with a reserved nature and decorum, sometimes the joy of a great shot or winning a title is too much, resulting in an iconic celebration. From leaps and fist pumps to bear hugs and high fives. The most memorable moments in the sport display raw and unpredictable emotion, providing a preview into the psyche of the world’s finest golfers. Join us as we dive into some of the most unforgettable golf celebrations brought on by incredible shots, long-sought-after redemption, and meaningful victories.
Best Golf Celebrations in History
Phil Mickelson’s Leap at the 2004 Masters
Nothing hits home like a long wait finally bearing fruit. Lefty had played golf at the elite level for many years, but a major victory had somehow eluded him. However, on the 72nd hole of the 2004 Masters, Mickelson sank an incredible birdie putt to win his first major title. Naturally, the joy was too much, and Lefty defied gravity to jump high into the air. With two arms above his head, he landed with his backside almost as low as his knees. Finally, Mickelson managed to silence all his critics and immortalized that moment with one of the best golf celebrations ever!
Payne Stewart’s 1999 U.S. Open Victory Pose
This is one of the most emotional golf celebrations ever! Payne Stewart was at the top of his game at the 1999 U.S. Open when he sank an incredible 15-foot putt to clinch the title, marking his third and final major victory. He celebrated by thrusting his arm forward in an unforgettable pose. Said pose has been immortalized in a statue behind the 18th green of the No. 2 course at Pinehurst Resort. Tragically, just four months after the win, Stewart perished in a plane crash as he headed to Texas for the year-ending tournament, The Tour Championship.
Seve Ballesteros’ 1984 Open Championship Celebration
Seve Ballesteros went to the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews aiming for nothing less than collecting the Claret Jug. Known for his swashbuckling, passionate style of play, the late, great Spaniard holed a near-impossible winning birdie putt on the 18th green, resulting in a historical jubilation and an emotional fist-pumping reaction. Ballesteros’ celebration has even been immortalized in a logo, depicting his love for the game and charismatic personality.
Tiger Woods’ 2008 U.S. Open Fist Pump on One Leg
No list of golfers is complete without 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, and one of his iconic moments was at the classic 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. Unknown to many, Woods was playing with a torn ACL and a broken leg when faced with a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th hole. The legendary golfer sank a dramatic birdie putt to force a playoff. He celebrated with an intense double fist pump and emphatic high five from his then-caddie Steve Williams. Woods went on to win the playoff despite his severe injuries, demonstrating his resilience and mental toughness.
U.S. Ryder Cup Team: 1999 Ryder Cup
The “Battle of Brookline,” as the 1999 Ryder Cup is fondly remembered, is one of golf’s most thrilling and memorable moments. Entering the final day, chances were slim for the U.S. team as they trailed by four points. Nonetheless, the tide shifted during Justin Leonard and Jose Maria Olazabal’s singles match. Leonard, representing America, sank a mammoth 45-foot putt on the 17th hole and immediately raised his hands in the air. He stuck out his chest, and started striding up the green. Interestingly, his teammates, wives, girlfriends, and officials ran onto the green, disgracing the European team.
Hale Irwin: 1990 U.S. Open
The 1990 U.S. Open at Medinah was filled with many memorable moments. During the final round on Sunday, Hale Irwin surprised the golfing world when he sank an incredible 45-foot putt on the 72nd hole that went uphill, then downhill, and broke to the left, finally finding the bottom of the hole. The historic putt forced an 18-hole playoff with Mike Donald. In celebration, Irwin jogged around the entire 18th green high-fiving fans. Irwin won on the 19th hole in the playoff to become the oldest-ever U.S. Open champion at age 45!
Larry Mize: 1987 Masters
Facing a legend like Greg Norman can intimidate even the most gifted players. Larry Mize however, held his own in the 1987 Masters to outwit the Great White Shark. What shocked the world was Mize sinking an almost 140-foot chip for birdie on the par-4 11th, the second playoff hole. In a mixture of awe and disbelief, Mize jumped severally into the air, and jogged across the green. He then looked to the heavens as if thanking God for the greatest shot of his career. Norman still had a birdie putt left but missed it, giving Mize the well-deserved green jacket.
Final Thoughts
The above celebratory moments depict how ecstatic it is for a golfer to witness their hard work paying off on the big stage. Although some moments bear an element of luck, others, like Tiger’s 2008 U.S. Open win, demonstrate the power of resilience and thriving amidst obstacles.