One of the most famous and controversial moments in golfing history occurred in 1999 at the US Open. During the final round, Phil Mickelson hit his ball into a bunker on the 18th hole. Instead of accepting the penalty, Mickelson decided to hit his ball while it was still moving in the sand. This daring move led to a two-stroke penalty for Mickelson and ultimately cost him the championship.
In 2009, Tiger Woods found himself in the middle of a scandal that shocked the golfing world. Reports surfaced that Woods had been involved in multiple extramarital affairs, leading to his divorce from his wife and tarnishing his reputation as one of golf’s greatest players. Woods took a hiatus from golf to focus on his personal life, but the scandal had a lasting impact on his career.
In 2018, during the Masters Tournament, Sergio Garcia had a controversial incident with his playing partner, Matt Kuchar. After hitting a poor shot, Garcia vented his frustration by damaging a green at Augusta National. The incident sparked outrage among fans and led to a heated confrontation between Garcia and Kuchar on the course.
Another shocking moment in golfing history occurred in 2007 at the Open Championship. During the third round, Ian Poulter was penalized for incorrectly marking his ball on the green. The penalty cost Poulter a chance at winning the tournament and led to criticism from both fans and fellow players.
Perhaps one of the most bizarre and shocking moments in golfing history happened in 1985 at the Ryder Cup. During a singles match between Jack Nicklaus and Severiano Ballesteros, Ballesteros hit his tee shot into a tree on the 16th hole. In a surprising turn of events, Ballesteros climbed the tree to play his next shot, a move that left fans in awe and earned him the nickname “Seve the Savior.”
These shocking moments in golfing history serve as a reminder that even the most skilled and composed players can experience moments of controversy and drama. While golf may be known as a game of etiquette and tradition, it is also a sport that can produce unexpected and unforgettable moments that leave fans and players alike stunned.
