Sports & Athletes

Epic Major Championship Comebacks in Golf History

A curated collection of the most remarkable major championship comebacks in professional golf, highlighting extraordinary performances where players overcame significant deficits to claim their title.

ID: 51828
Items: 20
Total Votes: 0
Forks: 0
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, supporting our work without affecting our ratings.
Want to feature your product on this list?
Sponsorship

Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.

Contact Us
1
0

Tiger Woods at the 2000 U.S. Open

Visit

Woods secured a historic eight-shot victory at Pebble Beach, dominating the field after a strong start. This win solidified his status as the greatest golfer of all time during the 'Tiger Slam' era.

2
0

Lee Trevino at the 1968 Open Championship

Visit

Trevino overcame a five-shot deficit entering the final day at Muirfield to defeat Tony Jacklin. His aggressive play on the back nine remains one of the most dramatic finishes in Open history.

3
0

Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters

Visit

At age 46, Nicklaus chased down Greg Norman, birdieing the final two holes to win his sixth green jacket. It stands as the greatest comeback in Masters history and a testament to his enduring skill.

4
0

Tiger Woods at the 2008 U.S. Open

Visit

Playing through severe leg injuries from a car accident, Woods birdied the last four holes at Torrey Pines. He defeated Rocco Mediate in a playoff to claim his 14th major championship title.

5
0

Phil Mickelson at the 2004 PGA Championship

Visit

Mickelson shot a final-round 64 to erase a six-shot deficit over Vijay Singh. His remarkable finish at Whistling Straits earned him the nickname 'Lefty' and secured his first PGA title.

6
0

Ernie Els at the 1994 U.S. Open

Visit

Els carded a closing 68 to catch Tom Kite, winning by a single stroke at Pinehurst No. 2. His smooth swing and clutch putting defined one of the most thrilling finishes in U.S. Open history.

7
0

Ben Hogan at the 1953 Masters

Visit

Coming off a near-fatal car accident just two years prior, Hogan birdied the 16th hole to tie Sam Snead. He then won the ensuing playoff to capture his first Masters title.

8
0

Tom Watson at the 1977 Open Championship

Visit

Watson surged from five shots back with a final-round 66 to beat Johnny Miller. This victory showcased his iron play and cemented his legacy as one of the Open's greatest contenders.

9
0

Justin Thomas at the 2015 PGA Championship

Visit

Thomas birdied the final three holes to overcome a six-shot deficit over Jason Day. His energetic finish at Whistling Straits marked his second major title and a stunning end to the tournament.

10
0

Retief Goosen at the 2004 PGA Championship

Visit

Goosen held off a late charge from Vijay Singh, winning by one shot after a dramatic final round. His composure under pressure highlighted his reputation as a clutch performer in majors.

11
0

John Daly at the 1991 PGA Championship

Visit

Daly overcame a ten-shot deficit with an astonishing final-round 63 to win his first major. His powerful driving and unexpected accuracy defied all expectations and shocked the golf world.

12
0

Nick Faldo at the 1989 Masters

Visit

Faldo won his first major by one shot over Curtis Strange, birdieing the 12th and 13th holes late in the round. His strategic play and mental fortitude changed the landscape of major championship golf.

13
0

Lee Westwood at the 2008 BMW Championship

Visit

Though not a major, Westwood's comeback in the Tour Championship is often cited alongside major comebacks. He erased a seven-shot deficit to win the FedEx Cup, showcasing elite consistency.

14
0

Sandy Lyle at the 1988 Masters

Visit

Lyle shot a final-round 68 to catch Seve Ballesteros, winning by one shot. His performance in the wind and rain demonstrated exceptional skill and mental toughness on the Amen Corner.

15
0

Ernie Els at the 2002 Open Championship

Visit

Els won by five shots, but his final round of 67 was crucial in securing the title over Pádraig Harrington. His dominance on the links course highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.

16
0

Rory McIlroy at the 2011 U.S. Open

Visit

McIlroy shot a final-round 68 to win by six shots, though not a comeback, his surge from mid-pack was historic. It marked the beginning of his dominance in major championships during the early 2010s.

17
0

Tiger Woods at the 2019 Masters

Visit

Woods birdied the 15th and 16th holes in the final round to tie Brooks Koepka. He then won the playoff, marking his fifth Masters title and his first major win in over five years.

18
0

Greg Norman at the 1996 U.S. Open

Visit

While Norman lost the final round, his strong finish from behind made the 1996 U.S. Open infamous. His inability to hold the lead remains a pivotal moment in major championship history.

19
0

Jack Nicklaus at the 1970 U.S. Open

Visit

Nicklaus birdied the 17th hole in the final round to catch Tony Lema and win by one shot. This victory demonstrated his ability to perform when it mattered most in major championships.

20
0

Tom Watson at the 1982 U.S. Open

Visit

Watson finished one shot behind Jack Nicklaus after a thrilling final round at Pebble Beach. His near-comeback and sportsmanship in the face of defeat remain iconic moments in golf history.