Memorable mistakes

June 12, 2003|By Ed Sherman.

There have been many collapses in the annals of the majors, and Ed Sherman looks at the 5 biggest

1. GREG NORMAN at 1996 Masters

Perhaps the most memorable fold ever. Owning a six-shot lead, Norman shot a final-round 78, blowing his chance at winning the green jacket he coveted so much.

2. ARNOLD PALMER at 1966 U.S. Open

Palmer owned a seven-shot lead on the back nine during the final round at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Incredibly, he shot 40, allowing Billy Casper to tie. Casper then won the playoff the following day.

3. SAM SNEAD at 1939 U.S. Open

All Snead needed was a par on the final hole to win at Philadelphia Country Club. But he thought he needed a birdie, so instead of playing it safe, Snead went for broke and wound up with a triple-bogey 8 to lose the tournament.

4. JEAN VAN DE VELDE at 1999 British Open

All Van de Velde needed was a double-bogey 6 on the final hole to win at Carnoustie. In one of the colossal misplays of all time, Van de Velde used a driver off the tee and hit it way right. The decision led to disaster. He made 7 and lost in a playoff to Paul Lawrie.

5. RETIEF GOOSEN at 2001 U.S. Open

Goosen needed a two-putt from 12 feet on 18 to win at Southern Hills. After knocking his first putt 3 feet past, he missed the come-backer, sending the Open to a playoff. Goosen redeemed himself the following day by beating Mark Brooks.