Golf, as almost all fans know, can throw up some tough breaks. Whether it’s a bad lie, a plugged ball in the bunker or hitting the flag stick, there are times when the game will prove hugely unfair.
There are, however, times when fortunate breaks occur. And most golfers believe they’re due a piece of luck from time to time.
Professional golfers, more often than not, are graced by the golfing gods; spectators often find errant tee shots, and TV towers help with sightlines. Those on elite circuits are well taken care of.
Yet, on some occasions, even the professionals are involved in purely bizarre moments of luck. Here, The Golfing Gazette has taken a look at five of the luckiest moments in PGA Tour history.
Will Zalatoris at 2022 Genesis Scottis Open
Will Zalatoris was involved in the freak moment of luck during the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open. Playing the par-five 16th, the American was short of the green playing his fourth shot.
His chip, with the wind behind, threatened the hole before racing past down the slop. Amazingly, the ball was stopped by Matt Fitzpatrick’s marker and eventually ended up on top of the Englishman’s poker chip.
Zalatoris would go on to hole his putt and save par.
Sam Burns at the 2024 3M Open
A lucky escape from the 2024 season involved Sam Burns at the 3M Open. The American, playing the par-five 18th, saw his second shot nestle in the rocks just in front of the green.
Instead of taking relief, Burns opted to play the shot and saw his ball sky-rocket up into the air and land next to pin.
Burns’ lucky escape led to a birdie and an opening round of 70 at TPC Twin Cities.
Chris Couch at 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Whilst playing the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, Chris Couch found himself in the middle of the fairway on 18 with 161 yards to the pin.
Hitting an eight iron, the American’s approach shot hit the rocks and looked destined to finish in the hazard.
However, after hitting the rocks not once, not twice, but three times, Couch’s ball eventually ended up on the putting surface. Couch would make a two-putt par and finish the day at seven under.
Andrew Magee at 2001 WM Phoenix Open
Arguably, the flukiest hole-in-one in PGA Tour history came during the 2001 WM Phoenix Open.
Andrew Magee smashed a drive down the 332-yard 17th, unaware that he could be able to reach the green.
The American’s ball flew toward the putting surface where the group in front were still finishing the hole. Magee’s ball narrowly missed Steve Pate before cannoning into Tom Byrum’s putter and straight into the hole.
6,000,000/1 were the odds of such a feat occurring in the professional scene.
Brian Harman 2024 Open Championship
Another remarkably lucky break occurred during the 2024 season, this time in The Open Championship at Royal Troon.
American Brian Harman hit a long iron off the tee on the third, attempting to lay well back of the hazard.
Unfortunately, the diminutive American underestimated his strength. Harman’s ball flew towards the ditch only to roll over the small footbridge.
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