The 153rd Edition of the Oldest Major Tournament This Year
Siwoo Kim's 238-Yard Hole-in-One Last Year
Rory McIlroy's 5-Iron Punch Shot Eagle in 2014
Arnold Palmer's Low-Trajectory Trouble Shot Par Save in 1961
'The Open Championship' is the most coveted stage for golfers worldwide and is also the oldest major tournament in history. Since the inaugural event in 1860, this year marks its 153rd edition. The tournament began on July 17 (local time) at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Lifting the 'Claret Jug' is the dream of every golfer. The Open, renowned for its tradition and prestige, has produced countless legendary moments.
Siwoo Kim created a historic moment at last year's The Open. In the third round of the tournament held at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland, United Kingdom, he scored a hole-in-one on the 17th hole (par 3). The distance was an impressive 238 yards (about 218 meters), setting the record for the longest hole-in-one in the history of The Open. The previous record was 212 yards (about 194 meters) by Frank Lickliter (USA) in 2001.
Siwoo Kim is celebrating with his caddie after making a hole-in-one on the 17th hole of the 3rd round at the 2024 The Open. Photo by Siwoo Kim Instagram
Siwoo Kim hit his tee shot with a 3-iron. The ball landed in front of the green, bounced once, and rolled straight into the cup. He said, "When I saw the ball go over the fringe, I thought it would stop within six meters, but I never expected a hole-in-one. I only realized it after hearing the cheers around me. Today's hole-in-one is definitely the most surprising and memorable moment for me."
This year, Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), who has completed the career Grand Slam by winning all four different major tournaments, also created an unforgettable scene. It was during the third round of the 2014 tournament at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in England, United Kingdom. McIlroy received applause for a punch shot that cut through the wind. With a 5-iron shot from 239 yards on the 18th hole (par 5), he reached the green in two, then sank a three-meter eagle putt to extend his lead to six strokes. With no significant challengers on the final day, he completed a wire-to-wire victory.
Rory McIlroy secured the Claret Jug with a fantastic 5-iron shot for an eagle on the 18th hole of the 3rd round at the 2014 Open. Photo by The Open Organizing Committee
Arnold Palmer (USA) is also famous for his trouble shot. This occurred on the 15th hole (par 4) during the final round of the 1961 tournament at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom. Palmer, who was leading by four strokes, saw his tee shot land in the sand beneath a blackberry bush. It seemed likely he would declare the ball unplayable and take a safe approach. However, Palmer instead hit a powerful, low-trajectory shot with a 6-iron, landing the ball on the green and saving par. He won with a score of four-under-par 284. To commemorate this fantastic shot, a plaque was installed at the spot.
Peter Thomson (Australia) also showcased a brilliant bunker shot. This was on the 16th hole (par 5) of the fourth round at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in 1954. Leading by one stroke, his second shot landed in the infamous greenside bunker. The ball was in a steep spot, making it impossible to take a full swing. Despite an awkward address, he managed to escape the bunker and then made a birdie. This extended his lead to two strokes, effectively securing his victory.
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