Six from 16: The best 2016 golf shots
The standard of golf over the past year has been nothing short of phenomenal and as such it is a difficult task to pick just six of the best 2016 golf shots.
Alas, from Louis Oosthuizen’s masterful hole-in-one to Rory’s 3-wood at the Irish Open, we take a look back at the greatest shots the past year has had to offer.
Stenson’s super Sunday at Royal Troon
There are a number of shots that Henrik Stenson will look back on with a fond smile as he claimed the Claret Jug on the west coast of Scotland last summer.
But the Swede’s putt at the 15th may be that one moment that he remembers in years to come and thinks ‘that was where it was won.’
Holding a slender advantage over his American foe, Phil Mickelson, Stenson knew he had to keep up the pressure and if ever there was a time to send a message it was now.
A 51-foot birdie followed and so did a two shot lead. With three to play it was an insurmountable task for Mickelson to climb.
He's holed it. Two shot lead for Stenson with three to play. #TheOpenhttps://t.co/xCrK3OtiXK
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2016
Clutch from the ‘Iceman.’
Rory’s luck of the Irish (Open)
Rory McIlroy took a fair amount of flak this past year for his treatment of golf’s return to the Olympics, but one thing that cannot be questioned was his commitment to his home tournament.
The Irish Open was something that McIlroy desperately wanted to win and at The K Club his dream was realised.
Two of the best 3-woods that the 27-year-old will ever hit featured on his Sunday afternoon stroll, and they were every bit as good as each other.
(Number four and five on the below video)
McIlroy’s shot into the 16th from 271-yards clinches it (only just!).
Given Russell Knox was breathing down the Northern Irishman’s neck threatening to upset the odds, it was the killer blow that the Scotsman would never recover from.
And just for equal measure McIlroy decided to land his 253-yard (not as impressive, right?) approach into the 18th green to just two feet before claiming a three stroke victory.
Easy as you like, Rory.
Masterful Louis records incredible hole-in-one
Words cannot quite do justice to one of the most incredible hole-in-one’s that the game has ever seen.
Louis Oosthuizen‘s visit to the 16th on Sunday at Augusta will be remembered forever.
Happy Birthday @Louis57TM ?
Here he is making the craziest hole in one of the year. https://t.co/FRJHrOsc7r
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 19, 2016
It was so good he almost recorded two aces. Ridiculous. Oh yeah, the South African also notched a hole-in-one just two months later during the Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Not that we’re jealous, honest.
Wonderful Willett holds nerve
Danny Willett‘s final round of 67 at the Masters is often overlooked as Jordan Spieth’s meltdown took centre stage at Augusta on Sunday.
Having hit an incredible tee shot into the par-3 16th Willett’s blood was pumping as he seized his moment. But, having missed the green left at the 17th the Englishman knew that one of the toughest up and downs in the game faced him if he was to spring the surprise of the season.
The chip that followed was one for the ages.
(1:38 on the below video)
Watch 2016 Masters champion @Danny_Willett's final-round 67 in under 3 minutes. #themastershttps://t.co/xCcFuPOJyG
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 11, 2016
Yips? Forget about it.
Rose makes history in Brazil
Justin Rose was pumped to represent Team GB last summer in Brazil, but despite his upbeat attitude I don’t think even he could have envisaged etching his name into history in quite this way.
This Justin: Rose with hole in one at the #Olympics pic.twitter.com/4l4QoIWUAc
— RealSport (@realsport101) August 11, 2016
Yep, the first hole-in-one in Olympic history. Oh, and a gold medal to go with it!
Nice work, JT.
DJ breaks his Major duck
Rules and controversy never seem to be too far from American Dustin Johnson.
The 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont was no different as the USGA tried their best to ruin the final round of competition.
Needless to say it didn’t make a huge amount of difference to the ice cool DJ as he blew the field away before hitting one of the best 6 irons of his life into the 18th green to seal a maiden major victory.
Maybe he should thank the cameraman for delaying his swing?
Nice work, DJ.
Have we missed any of the best 2016 golf shots? Let us know yours in the comments below!
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
