05 Aug The most iconic golf shots in history
A tribute to genius, precision and the soul of the game
In golf, as in life, some moments are etched in time. Not merely because they won tournaments—though many did—but because they captured the spirit of the sport: boldness, focus, beauty and, sometimes, a touch of magic. Today, we take a journey through the history of golf to revisit the most iconic shots ever played. Shots that defined careers, turned matches on their head and left us breathless—whether we watched from the stands or the comfort of our homes.
We bring you this story from Vistabella Golf, a course where every detail is crafted to offer memorable experiences—and where you, too, might create a shot that lives long in the memory.
Tiger Woods, Masters 2005: the miracle at Augusta
If there’s one shot that encapsulates Tiger Woods’ genius, this is it. At the 16th hole of Augusta, Woods faced a near-impossible chip from just off the green. The ball began to roll, slowly tracing the contours of the slope. It paused on the edge of the hole… and finally dropped. The crowd’s roar is still ringing in our ears. A moment of magic, precision and destiny.
Seve Ballesteros, Open Championship 1979: from car park to crown
Seve was instinct personified. Battling strong winds at Royal Lytham & St Annes, his drive ended up in a car park. Most would have taken their medicine—but not Seve. With flair and nerve, he hit a clean shot from the tarmac and set up a birdie. That day, the Spaniard won his first major. That shot? Legendary.
Jon Rahm, The Memorial 2020: the art of risk
At Muirfield Village’s 16th hole, Rahm was in the lead. Rather than play it safe, he went straight for the flag. The result? A jaw-dropping chip-in that electrified the crowd and cemented his place at the top of the world rankings. A penalty later reduced its official impact, but not its legacy.
Phil Mickelson, Masters 2010: threading the needle
In pursuit of his third green jacket, Lefty faced a daunting shot: trees in front, water ahead, pressure mounting. He went for it—and nailed it. The ball soared between branches, cleared the hazard and nestled near the pin. Pure Mickelson magic.
Larry Mize, Masters 1987: the hometown hero
Playing a sudden-death playoff at Augusta, Mize pulled off the shot of his life—a long chip from off the green that found the hole and handed him the title. To this day, he remains the only Augusta native to win the Masters.
Tiger Woods, US Open 2008: will over pain
Torrey Pines. Tiger, injured and limping. But pain couldn’t stop him from sinking a vital putt that forced a playoff—and led to victory. It was raw, emotional and unforgettable. The kind of shot that explains why he is who he is.
Jack Nicklaus, US Open 1972: the 1-iron at Pebble
With a 1-iron in hand and a fierce breeze blowing, Nicklaus produced one of the purest shots ever seen. The ball soared, struck the flagstick, and settled inches away. Even Tom Watson called it the greatest shot he ever witnessed.
Tom Watson, US Open 1982: déjà vu brilliance
Same course, ten years later. Watson, tied with Nicklaus, pulled off a sublime chip-in from thick rough to take the lead and, ultimately, the title. A passing of the torch—and a moment of pure golfing poetry.
Jordan Spieth, John Deere Classic 2013: bunker brilliance
Just 19 years old, Spieth holed out from a greenside bunker to force a playoff—and then went on to win his first PGA Tour title. A moment of youthful audacity and flawless technique.
Bob Tway, PGA Championship 1986: sand to silverware
At the final hole, level with Greg Norman, Tway faced a treacherous bunker shot. It needed to go in. It did. Cue rapturous celebrations and a place in golfing folklore.
Joaquín Niemann, Shriners 2018: perfection in one
A hole-in-one is always special. But Niemann’s ace stood out for its purity—no bounce, no roll, just flight and drop. A picture-perfect moment from the young Chilean.
Michael Phelps, Dunhill Links 2012: the swimmer strikes gold
Yes, that Michael Phelps. The Olympic legend stunned the gallery with a 50-metre putt at Kingsbarns. It dropped. Proof that champions rise in any arena.
Vijay Singh, Masters Par 3 Contest 2016: bouncing brilliance
In Augusta’s light-hearted Par 3 contest, Singh skipped his ball across the water. It bounced three times, rolled across the green… and dropped in the hole. Golf, meet theatre.
Why do we love these moments so much?
Because they speak to every golfer’s dream: the moment when it all clicks. When strategy, skill and instinct converge. When a shot is not just played—but felt.
At Vistabella Golf, we believe every player deserves that feeling. Our course, designed by former world champion Manuel Piñero, offers 18 holes of beauty and challenge. Rolling fairways, well-placed bunkers and a signature lake make every round an opportunity to do something memorable.
This is golf with soul. Golf designed to be remembered.
Book your tee time at Vistabella Golf today—and create your own legendary moment.