The 5 Most Emotional Moments in Golf

This is a another subjective post on what we here at Golf Predictor consider to be the five most emotional moments in professional golf:

1. Darren Clarke, 2006 Ryder Cup. Just a few short weeks after the tragic death of his wife, Clarke gave an heroic display on home soil to win three points from three matches at the K Club in Ireland. Playing at the behest of his late wife and with unprecedented support from the home crowd and fellow competitors, Clarke broke down in floods of tears after completing his final victory, a 3&2 victory over Zach Johnson. Many joined him while watching the emotional scenes.
   
   
2. Ben Crenshaw, 1995 Masters. Crenshaw won his second Masters a few days after the death of his mentor Harvey Penick. Despite being out of form and devastated from the loss, the genial Texan was inspired by Penick to win his second green jacket. Crenshaw collapsed in floods of tears after his victory, believing he had been guided to victory from above.
   
   
3. Tiger Woods, 2006 British Open. After sealing his first major victory following the passing of his father and mentor, Earl, the normally impassive Woods wept openly on the shoulder of his caddy, Steve Williams. As the emotion overcame the ultimate golfing machine, many realised that Tiger was indeed human and loved him all the more for it.
   
   
4. Jack Nicklaus, 2005 British Open. The Golden Bear had a few goodbyes to make at the end of a glittering career, but his final farewell topped the lot. Pausing at the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Jack got the reception he truly deserved. When he eventually got to the green, he proceeded to make a birdie. A class act to the finish.
   
   
5. Greg Norman, 1996 Masters. The second Masters in a row to produce an emotional finish, although this one was tough to watch. Norman started the day with high hopes of breaking his Masters hoodoo but ended it a broken man. Leading his playing partner, Nick Faldo, by six shots at the start of the final round, Norman embarrassingly went into meltdown. He shot 78 and eventually lost to Faldo by five strokes. Even Faldo, never a people person, was moved to hug Norman on the 18th green.
   

This list is inevitably shaped by what we have seen ourselves but if we think of other worthy entries, we will update the list. If you're Irish like us, Padraig Harrington's first major would make the list. However, we couldn't justify putting it in the overall list, even if he was the first Irish major winner in 60 years (and the first ever from the Republic)!