The Top 10 Greatest Upsets in Golf Tournament History
All Square 5min read •
3 Nov
Throughout golf’s long and storied history, certain tournaments have become legendary not only for the brilliance of their champions but for the shocking nature of their victories. When underdogs triumph against the odds, it reminds fans that golf — despite its reputation for patience and precision — can still deliver moments of pure, unpredictable drama. Here are ten of the most astonishing upsets ever witnessed in golf tournament history.
1. Francis Ouimet Wins the 1913 U.S. Open
Perhaps the most famous upset in golf history, 20-year-old amateur Francis Ouimet stunned the world by defeating British greats Harry Vardon and Ted Ray at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Playing across the street from where he grew up as a caddie, Ouimet’s victory helped ignite America’s passion for golf. His stunning playoff win as a complete unknown turned him into a national hero and changed the sport’s trajectory forever.
2. Y.E. Yang Topples Tiger Woods – 2009 PGA Championship
When Y.E. Yang teed off against Tiger Woods in the final round at Hazeltine, no one gave him a chance. Tiger had never lost a major when leading after 54 holes. Yet Yang’s fearless play — highlighted by a hybrid shot to three feet on the 18th — secured a three-shot victory. The South Korean became the first Asian-born male to win a major and handed Tiger one of the most shocking defeats of his career.
3. Jack Fleck Defeats Ben Hogan – 1955 U.S. Open
The 1955 U.S. Open at the Olympic Club seemed destined to end with Ben Hogan’s fifth U.S. Open title. But unheralded Jack Fleck, a municipal course pro from Iowa, birdied two of the final four holes to tie Hogan and then beat him in an 18-hole playoff. Fleck’s victory over the game’s greatest tactician became a classic Cinderella story.
4. John Daly’s Out-of-Nowhere PGA Championship – 1991
When John Daly arrived at Crooked Stick as the ninth alternate, few even knew his name. But with his prodigious length and fearless style, he took the field and the fans by storm. Daly led wire-to-wire to win his first major, introducing the world to his “grip it and rip it” philosophy and one of golf’s most unlikely champions.
5. Ben Curtis at The 2003 Open Championship
In 2003, Ben Curtis had never won a PGA Tour event and was ranked 396th in the world. But at Royal St. George’s, he calmly outlasted legends like Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Thomas Bjørn to capture The Open in his major debut. His win shocked the golfing world and remains one of the most improbable in modern major history.
6. Todd Hamilton’s Triumph Over Ernie Els – 2004 Open Championship
A year after Ben Curtis’ surprise, Todd Hamilton, a 38-year-old journeyman who had spent much of his career in Japan, produced another fairy-tale moment. Hamilton edged out Ernie Els, then the world’s No. 2 player, in a playoff at Royal Troon. His steady play and mastery of the hybrid club proved that perseverance could still trump pedigree.
7. Tom Watson at Turnberry – 2009 Open Championship (Almost)
Although Tom Watson didn’t win, his performance at age 59 nearly became golf’s greatest upset ever. Leading the Open Championship on the 72nd hole at Turnberry, he needed just a par to win. A misjudged approach led to a bogey and a playoff loss to Stewart Cink, but Watson’s magical run captured the world’s imagination and remains one of golf’s most emotional moments.
8. Larry Mize’s Miracle Chip – 1987 Masters
Facing Greg Norman in a playoff at Augusta, local favourite Larry Mize seemed outmatched. But on the second playoff hole, Mize hit one of golf’s most iconic shots — a miraculous 140-foot chip-in for birdie — to win the green jacket. The “Mize Miracle” remains a symbol of how heart and precision can overcome power and reputation.
Before the 2003 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, Shaun Micheel was winless on the PGA Tour. Yet over four days, he played flawless golf, culminating in a perfect 7-iron to two inches on the final hole to seal his first and only professional victory. His calm under pressure against established stars was nothing short of remarkable.
10. Danny Willett’s Stunning Masters Victory – 2016
When Jordan Spieth approached the back nine at Augusta on Sunday with a five-shot lead, it seemed a repeat of 2015’s dominance. But a shocking collapse at the 12th hole opened the door for Danny Willett, who carded a bogey-free 67 to claim the green jacket. The Englishman became the first Masters champion from Europe since 1999, in one of the most unexpected turnarounds in Masters history.
Legacy of the Underdogs
These upsets remind us that golf’s beauty lies in its uncertainty. Whether it’s a caddie-turned-champion, a local pro with nothing to lose, or a veteran rediscovering magic, the sport thrives on moments when the impossible becomes reality. Each surprise victory not only reshaped careers but also reinforced why golf, for all its calm precision, remains one of the most thrilling games in sport.
