Top 10 Greatest Golf Shots Of All Time
#10: Isao Aoki Wins the Hawaiian Open
1983 Isao Aoki hit an impressive and historic shot at the Hawaiian Open in 1983. The golfer brought out a pitching wedge for this 130-yard stunner. Considered an underdog during the tournament, he launched the ball with the confidence of a champion. Aoki famously secured the win by making this stellar eagle. It’s an amazing move under any circumstance and his victory over Jack Renner made him the first Asian player to conquer a PGA tour event. This particular stroke was another highlight of Aoki's storied golf career.
#9: Jordan Spieth’s Bunker Shot
2013 At the 2013 John Deere Classic, Jordan Spieth found himself in the bunker on the 18th. With a bounce, his chip dropped into the hole as if it was laser-guided. The last-minute birdie defied the odds with its precision. Spieth threw a wrench in the lead set by Zach Johnson and David Hearn, igniting a playoff round that he went on to win. The 19-year-old shocked everyone with this unexpected performance, becoming one of the youngest winners in the event's history. Not only did the shot lead to his triumph, it also foreshadowed Spieth’s dominance on the PGA tour.
#8: Jonathan Byrd’s Hole-in-One
2010 With this shot during the 2010 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Jonathan Byrd achieved a rare hole-in-one during professional play. The tournament reached a three-person playoff, with the players teeing-off for what became the final hole. Byrd completed this par 3 in one effortless stroke, finishing the competition before his foes knew what hit them. The winner himself couldn't believe what he'd done. In one of the only sudden-death aces ever, the golfer locked up the event in style. He got bragging rights not only for the exceptional shot, but for the dramatic tournament finish.
#7: Justin Leonard’s Ryder Cup Putt
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1999 At the 1999 Ryder Cup, Justin Leonard faced a decisive long putt for America on the 17th hole. He knew it would take a little more than luck to sink this one. Putting it on a perfect line, the golfer sank the putt in an amazing climax. Leonard won the tournament for the U.S. team against the formidable European opponents like José María Olazábal. His clutch short game put him and the American team in position to win. With his team and supporters crowding around him, the player proudly led his country with a game-changing shot.
#6: Graeme McDowell’s Albatross
2007 Graeme McDowell had a fantastic 17th hole at the Volvo Masters in 2007. He approached a par 5 as most golfers did, one shot at a time and with the hope of a possible birdie or par. Whereas most players needed three strokes to hit the green, McDowell managed to complete the treacherous hole in only two. The feat was known as an albatross, also referred to as a double eagle. It’s clear from his reaction that he knew this was a once in a lifetime achievement.
#5: Bubba Watson’s Hook Shot
2012 Even the best players on the PGA tour end up with a bad lie. As for Bubba Watson, he found himself in the dirt on the 10th hole of the 2012 Masters. He miraculously hooked a left-handed chip onto the green. Unable to see the pin, Watson had everything against him in this setup. You could have easily said that it was blind luck, considering all of the obstacles in his way. His ability to find the flag under pressure led him to the top of the leaderboard. This great shot not only set the golfer up for a Masters win, but was one of the defining moments of his career.
#4: Jack Nicklaus Hits the Flag
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1972 Without question, Jack Nicklaus was one of the greatest golfers ever. His hall-of-fame reputation was thanks in part to shots like this one from the 1972 U.S. Open. He grabbed his 1-iron for the 17th hole in a tremendous showcase of his natural talents. Nicklaus reached the green and hit the flag after a generous bounce. The legend made quick use of the par 3, ending the hole with a birdie. He also demonstrated his calm demeanor in tense moments. Building off of the glory of this shot, the “Golden Bear” went on to take his third U.S. Open that year.
#3: Louis Oosthuizen at the Masters
2012 Few golfers have ever conquered hole number 12 at Augusta quite like this. Louis Oosthuizen set up for his second stroke, hitting the green with a well-placed shot. Most golfers would have been happy there, but Oosthuizen’s ball wasn’t done yet. It continued to roll until finally reaching the hole. The amazing finish was also an albatross, only adding to its place in Masters history. He climbed to the top of the leaderboard in one of the most impressive par 5 performances ever. While the player didn’t win the tournament that year, his double eagle stood as an awesome consolation prize.
#2: Phil Mickelson’s 18-Foot Winning Putt
2004 The 2004 Masters produced one of Phil Mickelson's all-time highlight shots. Neck and neck with Ernie Els, both men went into the final round hoping for glory. Mickelson ended up on the green of the 18th hole, with an 18-foot putt between him and the coveted green jacket. He completed the putt from a huge distance like it was nothing. The golfer couldn’t contain himself afterwards, realizing that he’d just won his first major. In a career of great moments like the straw escape from the 2010 Masters, this putt beat them all for its life-changing quality. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Larry Mize at the 1987 Masters, 1987 Mize’s Chip Shot Won Him the Trophy at the 1987 Masters Tournament Jack Nicklaus’ Long Putt, 1975 The Golden Bear Nailed This Lengthy Putt on the 16th Hole of the 1975 Masters Shaun Michael’s Approach Shot, 2003 Michaels Delivered a 175-Yard Approach Shot with Finesse at the 2003 PGA Championship Gene Sarazen’s Masters Albatross, 1935 A Career-Defining Double Eagle for Sarazen from 235 Yards Away Jack Nicklaus’ Amazing Tee-Off, 1986 Nicklaus Showed Everyone Age Was Just a Number with This Tee Shot at the 1986 Masters
#1: Tiger Woods’ Chip at the Masters
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2005 This 2005 Masters chip captured the legend Tiger Woods at the height of his powers. He entered the final round in a fierce battle against Chris DiMarco. At the 16th hole, the golfer landed his first shot beyond the green. His ball landed above the pin, but slowly slid down before reaching the hole. It’s a one-in-a-million maneuver that seemed impossible for anyone but this champion. Woods impressed with an incredible effort that landed him in a position to win yet another tournament. Even though he had a worthy putt in the 2008 U.S. Open, this incredible Masters highlight stood out as one of the greatest golf shots ever.
