The British Open - The Greatest Walk In Golf

Players have gone through a wide range of emotions while walking the last hole at The Open, including joy, heartbreak, jubilation, and dejection. There have been many memorable final steps throughout the years, whether it was a future Champion Golfer or a renowned player making their last appearance in golf's oldest major. Golf and British Open 2023 fans can buy British Open 2023 Tickets from our website.

Who can forget, for instance, Jean van de Velde's meltdown at Carnoustie in 1999 when the Frenchman lost the Claret Jug after hitting his ball into the Barry Burn on the 18th hole. Costantino Rocca was another player who came close. In 1995, he fluffed his chip on the last hole at St. Andrews, and then he experienced euphoria after sinking a putt from the Valley of Sin to force a play-off. 

Or even Shane Lowry's tearful stroll down 18 at Royal Portrush this year, as the locals wept upon seeing an Irishman triumph on home turf.

Farewell from Arnie's soldiers

After making his first trip to Scotland to compete in The Open in 1960, Arnold Palmer went on to win back-to-back titles as the greatest golfer in 1961 and 1962. Together with his endearing nature and aggressive fighting technique, The King's success persuaded many American professionals to travel to Britain.

When the seven-time major champion announced his retirement at St. Andrews in 1995 with a salute on the Swilcan Bridge at the finish, it was only fitting that he had a befittingly emotional send-off. Watson farewells five-time Open champion Champion golfer Tom Watson played in his final Open at St. Andrews in 2015, holing his final putt six minutes before 10 o'clock on Friday evening as the light began to fade.

The American legend, who had played golf for 40 years and 130 rounds, delighted in every second of his final stroll up the 18th hole as tens of thousands of admirers lined the fairway to acknowledge his excellence. As he walked his final hole, Watson recalled a Bobby Jones anecdote and remarked, "I guess I got a glimmer of what Bobby Jones probably felt."

Moment of reflection for Faldo

Sir Nick Faldo, a three-time champion golfer, competed in his final Open Championship in 2015, and he acknowledged walking out on the competition over the Swilcan Bridge was a quasi-religious experience.

When describing the incident on the renowned 18th hole, he said: "That brief minute I gazed at the sky. I have never done it, to be completely honest. I noticed the clouds when I looked up. Like that, I have never witnessed anything. There was a person on top. Tom Morris, perhaps, or anything. It was my epiphany spiritually. Amazing.”

Clarke signs first significant deal

When Darren Clarke triumphed by three shots at Royal St. George's in 2011 to win his first major title at his 20th attempt, emotions were running high as well. As the first British winner since 1999, Clarke, 42, shot a final-round 70 to finish five under par. He was able to relish every second of his victory.

In his own words, "It was incredibly special to go down the last hole on the Open with a lead like that, knowing before I got onto the green that basically I've won the greatest and best tournament in the world, knowing that I'm about to realise my lifelong ambition, my lifelong dream."

Mickelson joins a distinguished group.

More than 20 years after making his Open debut, Phil Mickelson turned in the round of his life to rally from five strokes behind and win his first Claret Jug at Muirfield in 2013. It was a memorable occasion for the American since he went on to win five major championships, placing him in the golfing history books alongside Seve Ballesteros, Peter Thomson, and Byron Nelson.

Being the only player under par allowed Mickelson to take his time walking up the last hole and sink a birdie putt from 15 feet to complete an incredible 66 and win the title of Champion Golfer. The 151st Open Championship fans can buy British Open Tickets from our website.

Legend departs after making a birdie

There was only ever going to be one way for Jack Nicklaus to end his Open career. In 2005, the three-time Champion Golfer made a grand exit at St. Andrews by making a birdie on the last hole. You have to be there to truly witness Shane's day.

A long-awaited and emotional event, The Open's return to Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush was topped off by the most remarkable of endings. Irishman Shane Lowry, who is from County Offaly, revealed he cried while watching the 147th Open. Everyone other had a tear in their eye a year later.

To win the Claret Jug, Lowry put together his four greatest rounds ever. At the conclusion of his third round on Saturday, he surged ahead, and the energy in the room was electrifying.

It was so boisterous that it was difficult to picture it being equaled on Sunday, but Lowry's game held up in the howling wind and driving rain, and those who supported him throughout the entire 18-hole round were not going to let a little Atlantic weather deter them.

Lowry resembled a child at Christmas as he strolled along 18. In one of the most heartbreaking victories in Open history, the locals sung, chanted, and cheered their hero home.

The Open's Short History by Erik Anders Lang

Filmmaker and golfer Erik Anders Lang is used to uncovering some of the most fascinating tales in the sport as the host and director of the Adventures in Golf series. Who therefore would be more suited to undertake the difficult yet intriguing challenge of condensing The Open's storied 160-year history into a 17-minute journey of discovery?

In A Short History of The Open, which is only accessible to The One Club members via TheOpen.com, Lang offers new perspective on the numerous and varied stories the history of golf's first Championship, from its modest origins in Prestwick to the vast current competition that is televised worldwide.

An interview with Tom Watson, who famously edged Jack Nicklaus to victory in a thrilling Sunday shootout during the 106th Open Championship at Turnberry, is one of the film's standout moments. Watson also suggests that Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson provided an even better finale at Royal Troon 39 years later.

The film is jam-packed with memorable footage from the archives. As the five-time Champion Golfer of the Year, Watson is naturally synonymous with The Open. But, the movie also examines Allan Robertson's possibly less well-known story, who can be called the event's unsung hero.

As Prestwick's secretary, Ken Goodwin, recalls 

"The main question after his death in 1859 was, "Who is the Champion Golfer now?" The attendees here believed that a match would be held following our autumn meeting. To determine the new champion, that is how The Open came to be."

The numerous changes that have occurred since the first Open Championship in 1860, both in the Championship and the larger globe, are detailed in A Short History of The Open. The first person to break 80 at St. Andrews, Robertson was the best golfer of his time and was dubbed the "Champion Golfer of Scotland."

The golf industry has changed significantly since the Challenge Belt was presented at Prestwick, according to Lang."

"Yet, one thing never changes when it comes to The Open Championship.

"To honour the Champion Golfer of the Year, we all assemble as fans. Without a doubt, golf's greatest tale is The Open."

Without a question, "The Open is golf's greatest story."

1. I. Anders Lang

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