Four of Golf’s Greatest Ever Comebacks

Golf is undeniably a game of subtleties. While it may not capture the interest of everyone watching extravagantly wealthy individuals – both men and women – hitting a ball across a course, for those who can truly savor the intricate theatrics of the sport, few experiences match the exhilaration of witnessing the climactic last round of a prestigious championship. But some of these four have come back from bigger setbacks than just a final-round chase. 

Tiger Woods Wins the 2019 Masters

Tiger Woods’s victory at the 2019 Masters is regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history. After enduring years of injuries and personal struggles, the Tiger had slipped from his throne as the king of golf. Throughout the late 90s and 2000s, the American great became one of the most recognizable faces on the planet with major victory after major victory. He picked up his first crown at just 21 years of age when he won the 1997 Masters by a record 12 strokes and between May 1999 and the same month the following year, he won four of the five majors on offer. 

As the years progressed, the titles followed. He picked up his 15th major in June 2008 and many expected his dominance to continue however, this would be the end of Woods as we knew it. His life went into a tailspin that cost him his marriage and a myriad of sponsors. But 11 years on from what looked to be his final day at the top of the pile, Woods was back. 

The 2019 Masters was a different story to the decade-plus since. A rejuvenated Woods bounced back in style as he overcame multiple back surgeries and a reputation-damaging scandal by playing with precision and composure to clinch his fifth Masters title and his first in 14 years.

Phil Mickelson Wins 2021 PGA Championship

Phil Mickelson’s age-defying victory at the 2021 PGA Championship was a tale of beauty and inspiration. He had long been considered one of the finest golfers that have ever lived and was already a five-time major winner, with three of those victories coming at Augusta, the fourth most of all time behind the aforementioned Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. 

At 50 years old, however, the American was without a major victory in eight years and it appeared that he was interested in lucrative exhibition matches rather than reigning supreme once more. But that all changed at the 2021 PGA Championship when he became the oldest major winner in history, surpassing the previous record set by Julius Boros at the same tournament 53 years prior. 

Rory McIlroy Wins the 2011 US Open

The nerves always get to the players in the final round of a major golf championship, and Rory McIlroy’s experience at the 2011 Masters was nothing short of excruciating. Holding an impressive four-shot lead over the field heading into championship Sunday, the current world number one seemed destined to secure his first-ever major title. However, the Northern Irishman’s fortunes took a disastrous turn as the day progressed.

It all went downhill for the Northern Irishman on the back nine, starting with a triple-bogey on the 10th hole and a double-bogey just two holes later. Any hopes of claiming the coveted green jacket were gradually slipping away, and McIlroy painfully ended the tournament in 15th place after shooting a dismal final round of 80.

Despite the setback, McIlroy did not let the loss define him. Two months later, he went on to win the US Open in a dominant display that left the rest of the field trailing in his wake. He once again headed into the final day with an insurmountable-looking eight-stroke lead, double the lead he held at Augusta weeks prior. This time however, he wouldn’t need the lead he had built up, managing to shave another two strokes off his score to finish -16 and pocket a cool $1.4m as well as the first major title of his career. 

The British sensation has risen above his greatest failure over the past 13 years. He is now widely regarded as the best active golfer in the world. With four major titles under his belt, he remains determined to conquer Augusta, despite his best finish being the runner-up position he achieved in 2022 where he finished three strokes behind the eventual champion, Scottie Scheffler. Looking ahead, online golf betting odds have listed Scheffler as a +350 favorite for the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Paul Lawrie Wins 1999 Open Championship

Paul Lawrie’s victory at the 1999 Open Championship was one of the most unbelievable comebacks ever seen in golf. The Scotsman started the final day 10 strokes behind the leader, Jean van de Velde, but a breathtaking performance in the final round – coupled with an almighty collapse by the leader – won him the title. 

The Frenchman stood atop the final hole at Carnoustie, holding what appeared to be an insurmountable three-stroke advantage. However, fate had a different plan in store. He triple-bogeyed the final hole in his underpants – no, we’re not lying – allowing the Scottish underdog to force a playoff and ultimately steal the victory.