1. Francis Ouimet wins the 1913 US Open
Perhaps the most famous upset in golf history, 20-year-old amateur Francis Ouimet stunned the world by beating British greats Harry Vardon and Ted Ray at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Playing across the street from where he grew up caddying, Ouimet’s victory helped ignite Americas passion for golf. His stunning playoff victory as a complete unknown made him a national hero and changed the trajectory of the sport forever.
2. YE Yang topples Tiger Woods – 2009 PGA Championship
When YE Yang fought off Tiger Woods in the final round to Hazeltineno one gave him a chance. Had a tiger never lost a major while leading after 54 holes. Still, Yang’s fearless play – highlighted by a hybrid shot to within three feet on the 18th – secured a three-shot victory. The South Korean became the first Asian-born man to win a major and handed Tiger one of the most shocking defeats of his career.
3. Jack Fleck defeats Ben Hogan – US Open 1955
The 1955 US Open at the Olympic club seemed destined to end with Ben Hogan’s fifth US Open title. But unheralded Jack Fleck, a municipal golf course professional from Iowa, birdied two of the last four holes to tie Hogan and then defeated 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 Crooked stick as the ninth deputy, few knew his name. But with his towering height and fearless style, he took the pitch 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 unlikeliest champions.
5. Ben Curtis at the 2003 Open Championship
In 2003, Ben Curtis had never owned one PGA Tour event and was ranked 396th in the world. But at Royal St. George’s he quietly outlasted legends such as Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Thomas Bjørn to capture The Open in his major debut. His victory shocked the golf world and remains one of the most unlikely 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 spent much of his career in Japandelivered another fairytale moment. Hamilton defeated Ernie Els, then the number 2 player in the world, in a play-off at Royal Throne. His steady play and command 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 achievements at the age of 59 almost became the greatest wave ever. Leads the Open Championship on the 72nd hole of Turnberryhe needed just a par to win. A misjudged approach led to a bogey and a playoff loss for 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
Up against Greg Norman in a play-off Augustlocal favorite Larry Mize seemed outmatched. But on the second playoff hole, Mize hit one of golf’s most iconic shots – a miraculous chip-in from 43 yards for birdie – to win the green jacket. The ‘Mize Miracle’ remains a symbol of how heart and precision can overcome power and reputation.
9. Shaun Micheel’s Dream Week – 2003 PGA Championship
Before the 2003 PGA Championship at Oak HillShaun Micheel was scoreless on the PGA Tour. Still, he played flawless golf for four days, culminating in a perfect 7-iron to two inches on the final hole to seal his first and only professional victory. His composure under pressure against established stars was nothing short of remarkable.
10. Danny Willett’s stunning Masters victory – 2016
As Jordan Spieth approached the back nine August on Sunday with a five-shot lead it looked like a repeat of 2015’s dominance. But a shocking collapse on 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 setbacks remind us that the beauty of golf lies in the uncertainty. Whether it’s a champion caddy, 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 reinforced why golf, for all its calm precision, remains one of the most exciting sports in sports.
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