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A number of players have produced great shots to seal victories in The Open, but few can match the birdie on Carnoustie’s 18th hole that earned Paul Lawrie the Claret Jug in 1999.
Lawrie, who has brought an end to his distinguished European Tour career, completed the biggest comeback in Open history to triumph 21 years ago.
In one of the most dramatic Championships in history, Jean van de Velde appeared certain to prevail before finishing regulation play with a stunning triple bogey.
As a result of his painful experience on the 18th, van de Velde found himself in a four-hole play-off with Lawrie and 1997 Champion Justin Leonard. And it was the home favourite, who had begun the day 10 shots off the lead, who duly prevailed to secure a dream triumph.
Lawrie had played superbly in the final round to vault up the leaderboard, shooting 67 on a fiendishly difficult course. However, the best was still yet to come.
Having returned to Carnoustie’s challenging 18th in the play-off holding a one-shot lead ahead of Leonard and van de Velde, Lawrie rose to the occasion magnificently.
To continue reading about Lawrie’s remarkable victory and his stroke of brilliance at the 18th, visit: https://www.theopen.com/latest/2020/10/paul-lawrie-chronicles
The R&A