Hey there, golf fans! Welcome back to FunkyGolfCarts.com, where we celebrate all things golf with a touch of flair. Inspired by Rory McIlroy’s recent rollercoaster of a final day at the PGA Championship, we’ve decided to take a trip down memory lane and highlight some of the funkiest final days in major championship history. These are the performances that left us all talking, shaking our heads, and marveling at the unpredictable nature of this great game. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride!
1. Jean Van de Velde’s 1999 Open Championship Fiasco
One of the most unforgettable and funky final day collapses in major history took place at Carnoustie in 1999. Jean Van de Velde stood on the 18th tee with a three-shot lead, seemingly on the brink of winning the Open Championship. What followed was a funky series of misfortunes – a wayward drive, a shot into the Barry Burn, and a disastrous triple-bogey that led to a playoff, which he eventually lost to Paul Lawrie. Van de Velde's misadventures in the water are forever etched in golfing lore.
2. Greg Norman’s 1996 Masters Collapse
When you talk about dramatic and funky final days at majors, Greg Norman’s 1996 Masters performance is often the first that comes to mind. Entering Sunday with a six-shot lead, Norman seemed poised to finally claim his green jacket. But the golfing gods had other plans. A funky series of disastrous shots, missed putts, and plain bad luck saw Norman shoot a shocking 78, while Nick Faldo played steady and cool to claim the victory. It was a heartbreaker for Norman and one of the most talked-about collapses in golf history.
3. Rory McIlroy’s 2011 Masters Meltdown
Rory McIlroy knows a thing or two about funky final day disasters. Back in 2011, a young McIlroy held a four-shot lead going into the final round at Augusta. However, his game unraveled on the back nine, highlighted by a triple-bogey on the 10th hole and a four-putt double-bogey on the 12th. He ended the day with an 80, finishing 10 strokes behind the winner, Charl Schwartzel. It was a tough lesson for McIlroy, but one that fueled his future successes.
4. Adam Scott’s 2012 Open Championship Blunder
Adam Scott was cruising towards his first major title at the 2012 Open Championship with a four-shot lead and just four holes to play. But golf is a game of fine margins, and Scott found that out the hard way. He bogeyed the final four holes, allowing Ernie Els to sneak in with a final-round 68 and snatch the Claret Jug from Scott’s grasp. The image of Scott’s stunned face after missing his par putt on the 18th remains a funky reminder of golf’s cruel twists.
5. Dustin Johnson’s 2010 U.S. Open Meltdown
Dustin Johnson was in command of the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, holding a three-shot lead heading into Sunday. However, a funky series of mistakes on the front nine, including a triple-bogey on the 2nd and a double-bogey on the 3rd, saw his lead evaporate quickly. Johnson struggled to recover and ended the day with an 82, finishing tied for 8th as Graeme McDowell took the trophy. It was a harsh learning experience for Johnson, who would eventually break through to win his first major six years later.
Conclusion
These funky final day meltdowns serve as a reminder of golf’s unpredictability and the immense pressure that comes with leading a major championship. From Jean Van de Velde’s heartbreaking collapse at Carnoustie to Rory McIlroy’s stunning meltdown at Augusta, these moments are as much a part of golfing history as the triumphs. They teach us that in golf, no lead is ever safe, and the game’s true character often reveals itself in the most challenging circumstances.
And speaking of funky, let’s not forget how you can add a bit of funk to your own golf game with a custom golf cart from FunkyGolfCarts.com. Whether it’s for cruising the course or standing out at the clubhouse, our carts are designed to reflect your unique style and flair.
Thanks for joining us on this trip down memory lane. Stay tuned for more exciting stories and features on FunkyGolfCarts.com! Whether you’re looking for the latest trends in golf carts or just want to relive some of the game’s most dramatic moments, we’ve got you covered. Keep it funky and keep it fair!