Phil Mickelson – 2013 Open Championship (66)
Phil’s Sunday 66 at Muirfield was pure magic. Playing in tough, windy conditions, he birdied 4 of the last 6 holes to win by 3. It was his first Claret Jug and arguably the best round of his life, displaying strategy, patience, and brilliance.
Jordan Spieth – 2017 Open Championship (69)
Spieth’s Sunday at Birkdale was a wild ride. After a shaky start (including a 13th hole that took 30 minutes and required an impromptu drop on the practice range), he rebounded with an eagle on 15 and birdies on 14, 16, and 17. A gritty 69. Championship mettle. Flair for the dramatic.
Ben Hogan – 1951 U.S. Open (67)
Coming off a near-fatal car accident in 1949, Hogan’s 1951 at Oakland Hills was legendary. His 67 in what he called “the hardest course I’ve ever played” helped him win his 3rd U.S. Open. The win was pure Sunday magic, emitting remarkable courage and precision.
Charl Schwartzel – 2011 Masters (66)
Few remember how close the leaderboard was going into the back nine during the 2011 Masters. Eight players were tied for the lead. But it was South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel who stole the show, birdieing the last 4 holes (15, 16, 17, 18) to win by 2. Maybe the greatest finish in Masters history. One of the most clutch performances under pressure.
Francis Ouimet – 1913 U.S. Open (72)
Not the lowest score, but maybe the most important. The 20-year-old amateur with a 10-year-old caddie shocked the golf world by beating British legends Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff after his 72 in the final round. A Cinderella story that changed golf in America forever and launched the sport into the public consciousness.
Honorable Mentions
- Justin Leonard – 1999 Open Championship (65): A great charge to get to a playoff at Carnoustie.
- Nick Faldo – 1996 Masters (67): Solid under pressure as Norman melted.
- Tiger Woods – 2019 Masters (70): Not his best round, but the circumstances made it special.
Parting Shot
Final rounds in majors aren’t just about perfect shots and low numbers. They’re about grit, toughness, and delivering when it matters most. From Nicklaus’ emotional outburst at Augusta to Watson and Nicklaus’ duel at Turnberry, these 10 rounds are the essence of championship golf. They’re the moments that are etched in your memory forever and make every golfer want to dream big.