Golf is one of the most mentally demanding sports in the world, and only a select few have been able to deliver under the most intense pressure. Whether it was a legendary final-round comeback, a miracle putt, or an ice-cold playoff performance, these moments defined careers and cemented legacies.
From major championships to Ryder Cup heroics, here are the 10 most clutch performances in golf history.
10. Jack Nicklaus Wins The 1986 Masters at Age 46
At an age when most golfers are long past their prime, Nicklaus turned back the clock with a stunning final-round 65 to claim his sixth green jacket. His legendary birdie on 17, punctuated by his signature putter raise, remains one of the most iconic moments in golf history.
9. Jordan Spieth’s Wild Finish at The 2017 Open Championship
After an errant tee shot on the 13th hole led to a bizarre drop on the driving range, Spieth looked on the verge of collapse. Instead, he bounced back with an eagle and three birdies over his final five holes, securing one of the gutsiest major wins ever.
8. Phil Mickelson’s Unbelievable 2021 PGA Championship Win
At age 50, Mickelson became the oldest major champion in history, defying the odds at Kiawah Island. His fearless shot-making and calm demeanor down the stretch left golf fans in awe as he held off Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen.
7. Tom Watson Nearly Wins The 2009 Open Championship at Age 59
Watson was one putt away from completing the most improbable major victory in history. Although he lost in a playoff, his ability to outplay golfers half his age over four days remains one of the most clutch performances ever.
6. Payne Stewart’s Final Putt at The 1999 U.S. Open
With a one-shot lead on the 18th hole at Pinehurst, Stewart faced a nerve-wracking 15-foot par putt to avoid a playoff. He drained it with pure confidence, sealing his second U.S. Open title and delivering an unforgettable fist-pump celebration.
5. Tiger Woods Wins The 2008 U.S. Open on a Broken Leg
Playing with a torn ACL and stress fractures, Tiger somehow forced an 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate. He then birdied the final hole of regulation to extend the match before winning on the 91st hole, proving his legendary toughness.
4. Nick Faldo’s 1996 Masters Comeback Over Greg Norman
Faldo trailed Norman by six shots heading into the final round, but he played flawlessly while Norman completely unraveled. The result was one of the most dramatic collapses in major history—and an all-time clutch win for Faldo.
3. Seve Ballesteros’ Magic at The 1984 Open Championship
With the Claret Jug on the line, Ballesteros drained a clutch birdie putt on the 18th at St. Andrews, celebrating with an iconic fist-pump. His creative shot-making and fearless attitude under pressure made him a legend of the game.
2. Jack Nicklaus Overcomes Arnold Palmer at The 1962 U.S. Open
As a 22-year-old rookie, Nicklaus outdueled fan-favorite Arnold Palmer in a tense 18-hole playoff at Oakmont. The victory not only signaled the start of Jack’s dominance but also proved he could handle pressure better than anyone.
Read More: 30 Times Pro Golfers Snatched Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
1. Tiger Woods’ Iconic Chip-In at The 2005 Masters
Facing an impossible shot from the rough on the 16th hole, Tiger’s chip landed perfectly, trickled toward the hole, and hung on the lip before dramatically dropping in. The moment, paired with Verne Lundquist’s legendary “Oh, did you see that?” call, remains the most clutch shot in golf history.
Read More: The 30 Greatest Golfers in the History of the Sport
