With the Open Championship starting on the 20 July at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, the anticipation is beginning to build around the world. Ahead of this infamous golfing fixture, we have come up with our top five most memorable moments from past the Opens at St Andrews. We hope you enjoy!
1. When Costantino Rocca duffed his chip shot on the 72nd hole into the ‘valley of Sin’ John Daley thought he had the win sealed. The Italian had to sink his 65-foot putt to force a playoff. He gave his putt a hit and to his surprise the ball dropped into the hole to force a playoff; creating one of the most memorable shots in The Open.
2. In 2010 Rory McIlroy equalled the lowest round in a major shooting a nine-under par 63. The then 21-year-old Northern Irishman, shot the lowest opening round in the 150-year history of the tournament. He played his final 10 holes in an astonishing eight-under par to match the course record, this also meant he became one of eight players to shoot a 63 in the Open Championship as well as being the 23rd player to shoot a 63 in a major. McIlroy went on to finish T3.
3. In 1990 Nick Faldo won his second claret jug with a record breaking 18-under par total. Producing rounds of 67,65, 67 and 71 meant he led from start to finish, ending five shots clear of second place. This win also meant he became the second person, since Tom Watson in 1982, to win two majors in the same year.
4. When Tiger Woods won The Open in 2000 he became the youngest player to win a career grand slam at the age of 24. He avoided all the gruelling bunkers on the Old Course, to shoot a championship record score of 19-under par, winning by a remarkable eight shots.
5. 1984 saw what would become one of the most famous moments at St Andrews. Tom Watson and Seve Ballesteros were battling it out on the final holes for the championship. Seve needed a birdie on the 18th green to ensure that the championship was his. The Spaniard holed his putt producing one of the most iconic celebrations in the history of golf; a triple fist pump becoming his unforgettable trademark celebration.
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