Top five biggest upsets in major golf championship History

The 1955 U.S. Open will forever be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in golf

It is a sport that has been around for many decades and spans significant events, shocks, or despair. The major championships, especially where the course yields relatively unknown winners, are some of the most dramatic shocks in the history of golf. Many such upsets have taken place where a common club professional triumphs over a golfing star, or new faces defeat the top golfers, such shocks have become an integral part of golf history.

This creates a place in history and the legend of golfing that makes fans drop their jaws in surprise. From the analysis of these historical events, it will thus be possible to understand and appreciate the drama and thrill that have always characterized major golf championships, thus making them some of the most popular events in the sporting calendar.

Five biggest upsets in major golf championship history

The sport’s history is a blend of major names and lesser-known upsets, attracting fans with its captivating nature. Here is a list of the five major upsets in the history of golf.

1. Jack Fleck defeats Ben Hogan at US Open 1955

The 1955 US Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco will forever be remembered for one of the greatest upsets in golf history. Ben Hogan, a four-time US Open champion, was the overwhelming favourite as he pursued his fifth title. However, a little-known club pro from Iowa named Jack Fleck had other plans.

Fleck birdied the final four holes on Sunday to force an 18-hole playoff with Hogan. In the playoff, Fleck continued his magical run, winning by three strokes after Hogan made a double bogey on the final hole.

2. Y.E. Yang defeats Tiger Woods at PGA Championship 2009

Tiger Woods was the undisputed king of golf in 2009 and won 14 major championships. At the PGA Championship at Hazeltine, Woods held a two-shot lead over South Korean Y.E. Yang into the final round. However, Yang, a relative unknown at the time, played fearless golf and made crucial birdies on the 14th and 16th holes to overtake Woods.

Yang became the first Asian-born male golfer to win a major championship, defeating the greatest player of his era.

3. Francis Ouimet wins US Open 1913

The 1913 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, is considered a watershed moment in golf history. Francis Ouimet, a 20-year-old amateur and former caddie, defeated British superstars Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff to win the championship. Ouimet’s victory was a stunning upset and helped popularize golf in the United States.

4. John Daly wins PGA Championship 1991

John Daly, a virtual unknown at the time, qualified for the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club as the ninth alternate. After several players withdrew, Daly made the field and proceeded to shock the golfing world. He blasted drives to uncharted territory, fearlessly chipped, and put himself on his way to victory, winning his first PGA Tour event.

5. Orville Moody wins the US Open 1969

Orville Moody, a 35-year-old Army veteran and club pro, qualified for the 1969 U.S. Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. Moody, who had never won on the PGA Tour, rallied from three shots behind Miller Barber in the final round to claim his only PGA Tour title.

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