• No 10 - Tommy Nakajima, St Andrews, 1978. The Japanese golfer was only one shot off the lead at the end of his third round before taking four shots to escape from the infamous Road Hole Bunker on the 17th. PA
    No 10 - Tommy Nakajima, St Andrews, 1978. The Japanese golfer was only one shot off the lead at the end of his third round before taking four shots to escape from the infamous Road Hole Bunker on the 17th. PA
  • No 9 - Seve Ballesteros celebrates his victory after a birdie putt on the 18th green at St Andrews in 1979. PA
    No 9 - Seve Ballesteros celebrates his victory after a birdie putt on the 18th green at St Andrews in 1979. PA
  • No 8 - Tiger Woods celebrates his win on the 18th green at Royal Liverpool in 2006. Getty Images
    No 8 - Tiger Woods celebrates his win on the 18th green at Royal Liverpool in 2006. Getty Images
  • No 7 - Costantino Rocca celebrates the birdie putt on the 18th green that took him into a playoff with eventual champion John Daly at St Andrews in 1995. PA
    No 7 - Costantino Rocca celebrates the birdie putt on the 18th green that took him into a playoff with eventual champion John Daly at St Andrews in 1995. PA
  • No 6 - Lee Trevino kisses the Claret Jug after winning the Open at Muirfield in 1972. AP
    No 6 - Lee Trevino kisses the Claret Jug after winning the Open at Muirfield in 1972. AP
  • No 5 - Ben Hogan, Carnoustie, 1953. American great Hogan after the victory that clinched his ninth major title. Getty
    No 5 - Ben Hogan, Carnoustie, 1953. American great Hogan after the victory that clinched his ninth major title. Getty
  • No 4 - France's Jean van de Velde jumps into the Barry Burn before thinking better of it and taking a drop shot on the 18th at Carnoustie in 1999. Photo: Allsport
    No 4 - France's Jean van de Velde jumps into the Barry Burn before thinking better of it and taking a drop shot on the 18th at Carnoustie in 1999. Photo: Allsport
  • No 3 - Tiger Woods, St Andrews, 2000. Tiger clutches the Claret Jug after winning the Open by eight shots to complete the career Grand Slam. PA
    No 3 - Tiger Woods, St Andrews, 2000. Tiger clutches the Claret Jug after winning the Open by eight shots to complete the career Grand Slam. PA
  • No 2 - Seve Ballesteros, Royal Lytham & St Anne's, 1979. Seve prepares to play from the car park on the 16th hole on his way to victory. Getty
    No 2 - Seve Ballesteros, Royal Lytham & St Anne's, 1979. Seve prepares to play from the car park on the 16th hole on his way to victory. Getty
  • No 1 - Tom Watson, Turnberry, 1977. Jack Nicklaus hugs winner Tom Watson after their thrilling battle in the heat. Getty
    No 1 - Tom Watson, Turnberry, 1977. Jack Nicklaus hugs winner Tom Watson after their thrilling battle in the heat. Getty

The Open 2022: Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros and the Championship's 10 greatest moments


Stuart James
  • English
  • Arabic

1. Heat of Battle

Tom Watson v Jack Nicklaus, Turnberry, 1977. With 26 majors between them, Nicklaus (18 titles) and Watson (eight) are two of golf’s all-time greats. Both were at the top of their game during their “Duel in the Sun” on a blisteringly hot final day at Turnberry. The pair traded blows all the way round the course, with Watson at one stage trailing “Golden Bear” by three shots before he battled back to card a 65 to edge his great rival by a single stroke.

2. The Car Park Champion

Seve Ballesteros, Royal Lytham & St Anne’s, 1979. Five-time major winner Ballesteros was famous for his fearless and often wayward golf. The 22-year-old Spaniard only found the fairway nine times during his four rounds on the Lancashire coast. But his recovery shot after a wild drive at the 16th led to one of the most famous saves in Open history. Given a free drop after landing in a temporary car park, he pitched to within 20 feet of the pin, then drained the putt for a birdie to seize the Claret Jug.

The Open's last 20 winners

  • 2021: Collin Morikawa (United States) finished -15 par, two strokes ahead of Jordan Spieth at Royal St George's. EPA
    2021: Collin Morikawa (United States) finished -15 par, two strokes ahead of Jordan Spieth at Royal St George's. EPA
  • 2019: Shane Lowry (Republic of Ireland) finished -15 par, six strokes ahead of Tommy Fleetwood at Royal Portrush. Reuters
    2019: Shane Lowry (Republic of Ireland) finished -15 par, six strokes ahead of Tommy Fleetwood at Royal Portrush. Reuters
  • 2018: Francesco Molinari (Italy) finished -8 par, two strokes ahead of Kevin Kisner, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Xander Schauffele at Carnoustie. Getty
    2018: Francesco Molinari (Italy) finished -8 par, two strokes ahead of Kevin Kisner, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Xander Schauffele at Carnoustie. Getty
  • 2017: Jordan Spieth (United States) finished -12 par, three strokes ahead of Matt Kuchar at Royal Birkdale. Getty
    2017: Jordan Spieth (United States) finished -12 par, three strokes ahead of Matt Kuchar at Royal Birkdale. Getty
  • 2016: Henrik Stenson (Sweden) finished -20 par, three strokes ahead of Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon. AFP
    2016: Henrik Stenson (Sweden) finished -20 par, three strokes ahead of Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon. AFP
  • 2015: Zach Johnson (United States) finished -15 par, won play-off against Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen at St Andrews. AP
    2015: Zach Johnson (United States) finished -15 par, won play-off against Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen at St Andrews. AP
  • 2014: Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) finished -17 par, two strokes ahead of Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia at Royal Liverpool.
    2014: Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) finished -17 par, two strokes ahead of Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia at Royal Liverpool.
  • 2013: Phil Mickelson (United States) finished -3 par, three strokes ahead of Henrik Stenson at Muirfield. Reuters
    2013: Phil Mickelson (United States) finished -3 par, three strokes ahead of Henrik Stenson at Muirfield. Reuters
  • 2012: Ernie Els (South Africa) finished -7 par, one stroke ahead of Adam Scott at Royal Lytham & St Annes. AP
    2012: Ernie Els (South Africa) finished -7 par, one stroke ahead of Adam Scott at Royal Lytham & St Annes. AP
  • 2011: Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) finished -5 par, three strokes ahead of Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson at Royal St George's. AP
    2011: Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) finished -5 par, three strokes ahead of Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson at Royal St George's. AP
  • 2010: Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) finished -16 par, seven strokes ahead of Lee Westwood at St Andrews. PA
    2010: Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) finished -16 par, seven strokes ahead of Lee Westwood at St Andrews. PA
  • 2009: Stewart Cink (United States) finished -2 par, won play-off against Tom Watson at Turnberry. Getty
    2009: Stewart Cink (United States) finished -2 par, won play-off against Tom Watson at Turnberry. Getty
  • 2008: Padraig Harrington (Republic of Ireland) finished +3 par, four strokes ahead of Ian Poulter at Royal Birkdale. Getty
    2008: Padraig Harrington (Republic of Ireland) finished +3 par, four strokes ahead of Ian Poulter at Royal Birkdale. Getty
  • 2007: Padraig Harrington (Republic of Ireland) finished -7 par, won play-off against Sergio Garcia at Carnoustie. Getty
    2007: Padraig Harrington (Republic of Ireland) finished -7 par, won play-off against Sergio Garcia at Carnoustie. Getty
  • 2006: Tiger Woods (United States) finished -18 par, two strokes ahead of Chris DiMarco at Royal Liverpool. Getty
    2006: Tiger Woods (United States) finished -18 par, two strokes ahead of Chris DiMarco at Royal Liverpool. Getty
  • 2005: Tiger Woods (United States) finished -14 par, five strokes ahead of Colin Montgomerie at St Andrews. Getty
    2005: Tiger Woods (United States) finished -14 par, five strokes ahead of Colin Montgomerie at St Andrews. Getty
  • 2004: Todd Hamilton (United States) finished -10 par, won play-off against Ernie Els at Royal Troon. Getty
    2004: Todd Hamilton (United States) finished -10 par, won play-off against Ernie Els at Royal Troon. Getty
  • 2005: Ben Curtis (United States) finished -1 par, one stroke ahead of Thomas Bjorn and Vijay Singh at Royal St George's. Getty
    2005: Ben Curtis (United States) finished -1 par, one stroke ahead of Thomas Bjorn and Vijay Singh at Royal St George's. Getty
  • 2002: Ernie Els (South Africa) finished -10 par, won play-off against Stuart Appleby, Steve Elkington and Thomas Levet at Muirfield. Getty
    2002: Ernie Els (South Africa) finished -10 par, won play-off against Stuart Appleby, Steve Elkington and Thomas Levet at Muirfield. Getty
  • 2001: David Duval (United States) finished -10 par, three strokes ahead of Niclas Fasth at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Allsport
    2001: David Duval (United States) finished -10 par, three strokes ahead of Niclas Fasth at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Allsport

3. Roaring Tiger

Tiger Woods, St Andrews, 2000. The 24-year-old Woods was at his most dominant when he headed to the Fife coast seeking to become only the fifth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam. His mastery over the Old Course, with rounds of 67, 66, 67, and 69, would seal victory by eight shots and secure his place in that exclusive club. Different class.

4. Watery grave

Jean van de Velde, Carnoustie, 1999. The Frenchman went into the last hole of the final round with a three-shot lead. He hit the stands with his second shot and his third from deep rough flopped into the Barry Burn. Van de Velde took his shoes and socks off, rolled up his trousers and waded into the water before deciding to take a one-shot penalty. He stuck his next shot into a bunker and ended up taking a triple-bogie. Heartbreaking to watch. He lost to Paul Lawrie in the subsequent playoff.

5. Trevino's miracle

Lee Trevino, Muirfield, 1972. Six-time major winner Lee Trevino was the defending champion but was closely challenged by Jack Nicklaus, seeking the first modern Grand Slam, and Britain’s two-time major winner Tony Jacklin. In the final round, Nicklaus clawed back six shots to card a 66 for five-under par. At the par five 17th, Trevino hacked his way to the edge of the green in four shots before holing a miracle chip to stay at six under - Jacklin then two putted to drop a shot back and hand the title to the American.

  • Rory McIlroy lines up a putt on the 17th green during a practice round for The Open at St Andrews in Scotland on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. AFP
    Rory McIlroy lines up a putt on the 17th green during a practice round for The Open at St Andrews in Scotland on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. AFP
  • Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy prepares to play out of a bunker on the 16th hole on the Old Course at St Andrews. AP
    Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy prepares to play out of a bunker on the 16th hole on the Old Course at St Andrews. AP
  • Rory McIlroy on the 17th tee at St Andrews. AFP
    Rory McIlroy on the 17th tee at St Andrews. AFP
  • Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland putts during a practice round ahead of The Open. Getty
    Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland putts during a practice round ahead of The Open. Getty
  • Rory McIlroy during practice at St Andrews ahead of The Open. Reuters
    Rory McIlroy during practice at St Andrews ahead of The Open. Reuters
  • Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy during a practice round ahead of The Open. Reuters
    Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy during a practice round ahead of The Open. Reuters
  • Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot during the practice at St Andrews. Getty
    Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot during the practice at St Andrews. Getty
  • Rory McIlroy drives the ball on the 17th tee at St Andrews. PA
    Rory McIlroy drives the ball on the 17th tee at St Andrews. PA
  • Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the 18th green on the Old Course at St Andrews. PA
    Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the 18th green on the Old Course at St Andrews. PA
  • Rory McIlroy putts off a road next to the 17th green. PA
    Rory McIlroy putts off a road next to the 17th green. PA

6. Comeback king

Ben Hogan, Carnoustie, 1953. Four years after a near-fatal car crash, nine-time major winner Ben Hogan travelled to the west coast of Scotland to play in his only Open Championship. The win was never in doubt. The reigning Masters and US Open champion hit a birdie on the last for a course record round of 68 to lift the title. It was his final victory in a major.

7. Rocca’s heroics in vain

Costantino Rocca v John Daly, St Andrews, 1995. When Italian Rocca fluffed his chip into the Valley of Sin on the 72nd hole of the 1995 Championship, it looked as though his chances of victory had vanished. But he somehow made a 60-foot putt up the slope to birdie the hole and force a playoff. His emotional celebration, punching the air with both fists before collapsing face-down on the green and sobbing are the stuff of Open legend. Daly went on to win the playoff to land his second and final major.

8. Tiger’s tears

Tiger Woods, Royal Liverpool, 2006. The world No 1 arrived at Hoylake as defending Open champion and he produced another golfing masterclass, shooting a second-round 65 to move into the lead, before clinching a two-shot victory over Chris DiMarco on the final day. The American had lost his father Earl two months earlier and he broke down in tears as he was overcome by emotion after sinking the final putt.

  • Tiger Woods attends a press conference held ahead of The 150th Open on The Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland on July 12, 2022. AFP
    Tiger Woods attends a press conference held ahead of The 150th Open on The Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland on July 12, 2022. AFP
  • Tiger Woods during a practice round prior to The 150th Open at St Andrews. Getty
    Tiger Woods during a practice round prior to The 150th Open at St Andrews. Getty
  • Tiger Woods of The United States looks on from the 17th. Getty
    Tiger Woods of The United States looks on from the 17th. Getty
  • Tiger Woods alongside partner Erica Herman during a practice round. Getty
    Tiger Woods alongside partner Erica Herman during a practice round. Getty
  • Tiger Woods during practice. Reuters
    Tiger Woods during practice. Reuters
  • Tiger Woods talks about his Open challenge. Reuters
    Tiger Woods talks about his Open challenge. Reuters
  • Tiger Woods of The United States tees off at the 17th. Getty
    Tiger Woods of The United States tees off at the 17th. Getty
  • Tiger Woods has a big following during practice. Reuters
    Tiger Woods has a big following during practice. Reuters
  • Tiger Woods with his caddy during practice. Reuters
    Tiger Woods with his caddy during practice. Reuters
  • Tiger Woods of The United States looks on from the 17th. Getty
    Tiger Woods of The United States looks on from the 17th. Getty
  • Adrian Meronk of Poland and Tiger Woods of The United States shake hands on the 18th during a practice round. Getty
    Adrian Meronk of Poland and Tiger Woods of The United States shake hands on the 18th during a practice round. Getty
  • Tiger Woods chips on the 18th. Getty
    Tiger Woods chips on the 18th. Getty
  • Tiger Woods walks over the Swilcan Bridge. PA
    Tiger Woods walks over the Swilcan Bridge. PA
  • Tiger Woods of The United States looks on from the 17th. Getty
    Tiger Woods of The United States looks on from the 17th. Getty
  • Adrian Meronk and Tiger Woods make their way past the Old Course Hotel. Getty
    Adrian Meronk and Tiger Woods make their way past the Old Course Hotel. Getty
  • Tiger Woods tees off during a practice round. Getty
    Tiger Woods tees off during a practice round. Getty

9. Seve’s jig

Seve Ballesteros, St Andrews, 1984. The Home of Golf has witness countless memorable moments but Seve’s fist pump and joyful jig on the 18th green after curling in a birdie putt to win a thrilling battle with Tom Watson and clinch the second of his three Open titles was one for the ages.

10. The Sands of Nakajima

Tommy Nakajima, St Andrews, 1978. Earlier in the year, 23-year-old Japanese golfer Tommy Nakajima had shot a 13 at the Masters after landing in the creek at the 13th “Azalea” hole. At the Open at St Andrews, he was in contention nearing the end of his third round. He stood on the 17th tee - often dubbed “The Hardest Hole in Golf” - at three under par, just one shot off the lead. He made the green in two but then rolled his putt into the infamous Road Hole Bunker. It took him four attempts to escape it before he two-putted to card a notorious nine.

Updated: July 14, 2022, 10:48 AM