Quick 9: This is how you celebrate winning a major
Do you remember when Brooks Koepka sank his final putt on the 18th hole at Erin Hills last year?
Probably not, because it was incredibly underwhelming.
.@BKoepka wins his first major championship in his 15th major appearance.?https://t.co/GHt2RRI2fE
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 19, 2017
Golf, typically, is a sport characterised by the control of emotions. But some of golf’s greatest moments have come when players have dropped their masks and their emotions come bursting out as that final putt finds its mark.
Here, we take your through some of the best major celebrations from down the years…
Arnold Palmer, 1960 US Open
Displayed as a motif on the 18th flag at Erin Hills during the US Open, Arnold Palmer throwing his visor into the air at Cherry Hills in 1960 is iconic. It was his celebration after producing one of the greatest comebacks in major history. Palmer found himself in 15th place and seven shots behind leader Mike Souchak after 54 holes. But a stunning 65 from Palmer and a collapse from Souchak saw the former claim his first and only US Open title.
Seve Ballesteros, 1984 Open Championship
Three-time Open winner and double Masters winner Seve Ballesteros considered the 1984 Open at St Andrews as his greatest ever victory. The Spaniard held off the charge of Tom Watson, who was chasing a third straight title and looking to equal Harry Vardon’s record of six Open titles. But Seve held his nerve to par the tricky 17th and then clinched the crown with a birdie at the last. Ballesteros’ fist-pump celebration is now an iconic symbol closely associated with the late champion.
Larry Mize, 1987 Masters
Considered by many the greatest endings to a major championship, Larry Mize produced a chip shot masterclass at the 1987 Masters to leave Greg Norman humbled. The tournament boiled down to a sudden death play-off between Mize, Norman and Seve Ballesteros. After Ballesteros bogeyed the first play-off hole, the par-4 10th, Mize and Norman continued to the par-4 11th. Mize’s approach to the green landed well to the right, while the Shark’s ball was on the fringe of the putting surface. Mize produced a career-defining chip shot that trickled towards the hole and fell in for a birdie. Cue Mize legging it round the green arms aloft.
