Best Golf Shots in 2019 (Six Christmas Crackers)
Now that another year of golf is very nearly in the rearview mirror, it seems the perfect time to settle back, perhaps munch on a few mince pies, and lovingly reminisce over some of the best golf shots in 2019.
This year has been memorable for many reasons: Tiger Woods recaptured major-winning form at Augusta, two more maiden major winners achieved their lifelong dream, and Team USA retained the Presidents Cup in Melbourne - to name just a few highlights. We've been trawling through the golf archives to bring you six of the best golf shots from 2019.
So then, without further ado, check out some of our favourites below.
Tiger Woods (WGC-Mexico Championship)
Our favourite shot from the 'Big Cat' this year came at the WGC-Mexico Championship when, with a 9-iron in hand from 132 yards, he manoeuvred the ball expertly around a tree ... from the sand!!
The amount of shape Tiger managed to place on the ball from that close in sent the golfing world (Twitter in particular) into a spin. The pronounced follow-through was a thing of beauty in itself. He did miss the resultant putt, but we won't dwell on that too much!
Words alone are unlikely to do this shot any real justice - just marvel below.
Amy Bockerstette (Waste Management Open)
One of the most popular golf videos of 2019 came at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and, strangely, the star of the show wasn't in the starting field.
On the 16th hole of Tuesday's practice round, Amy Bockerstette was playing with the defending champion Gary Woodland when she wowed the Stadium Hole's watching gallery.
'I got this', Amy reassured herself before each shot: when addressing her tee-shot; when faced with a tricky bunker escape and, finally, before draining her eight-foot par-putt.
While this is a collection of shots, rather than a single, they undoubtedly led to one of the most emotionally-charged pars of 2019.
Suzann Petterson (Solheim Cup - Gleneagles)
On any normal day, a putt like the one Suzanne Petterson managed to hole at Gleneagles back in September wouldn't get anywhere near our list. It was far from any normal day, though.
The final captain's pick for the European Solheim Cup team stood over an eight-foot putt with the hopes of a continent firmly on her shoulders. The nerves of steel she showed to clinch victory was truly remarkable to witness.
Amidst the euphoria, the two-time major champion took the opportunity to announce her retirement from the sport.
Perfection!
Rory McIlroy (DP World Tour Championship)
When Rory McIlroy pinpoints a particular shot as his best of the year, it's pretty much a shoo-in for a position on our list of Christmas crackers.
Faced with 280 yards from the pin on the Earth course's 18th hole at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, the Northern Irishman knew that that distance was right on the limit of his three-wood. As soon as he struck the ball, Rory knew it was all over the flag.
Of course, he nailed the eagle putt too.
Robert MacIntyre (Italian Open)
Hands up who loves watching a sweetly struck driver off the deck! You can add every single one of us here at Hole19 HQ to that list.
Back in October, the Italian Open took place at Olgiata Golf Club and Scottish European Tour rookie Robert McIntyre gave a masterclass in how to approach one of the hardest shots in golf.
Tiger Woods (Masters 2019)
It was by no means the most skilful shot of 2019, but Tiger's winning putt at Augusta National signalled to the world that he still has what it takes to threaten the great Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships.
Who knows what 2020 might bring but for now you can relive the moment below.
What were your favourite shots of 2019? Which shots have we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
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