A year in golf can be filled with shots that carry immense weight, and 2024 was no exception. From critical moments that impacted standings to incredible feats of skill, each shot contributed to the drama and excitement of the season. Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable shots that shaped a remarkable year in the sport.
**Driver**
In a gripping moment at the Genesis Championship in South Korea, Byeong Hun An trailed by two strokes with just four holes remaining. Faced with a daunting 290 yards to an elevated green, and with water lurking to the left, An took a bold risk and struck a driver off the deck. The shot was nearly flawless, landing on the green and rolling to within 8 feet of the hole. Though he settled for a birdie, he eventually triumphed over Tom Kim in a playoff, securing his second title on the European Tour.
**3-Wood**
Bryson DeChambeau’s final round at Pinehurst No. 2 was a challenge, hitting only five fairways, the lowest for a U.S. Open champion in 17 years. However, it was the 13th hole where he showcased his prowess. After falling behind Rory McIlroy with a bogey, DeChambeau responded by launching a 3-wood onto the green, setting himself up for a crucial birdie that kept him in the race for the championship.
**2-Iron**
During the Bermuda Championship, Rafael Campos found himself tied for the lead heading into the final round amid turbulent winds. At the par-5 seventh, he unleashed a stunning 2-iron from 256 yards to just 2 feet for an eagle. This impressive play paved the way for Campos to become the first Puerto Rican winner on the PGA Tour since the legendary Chi Chi Rodriguez.
**Hybrid**
In a bid to capture a record 18 consecutive seasons with a victory on the PGA Tour Champions, Bernhard Langer faced off against Y.E. Yang in a playoff at the Ascension Charity Classic. The 67-year-old showed remarkable skill by striking a hybrid from a fairway bunker to 15 feet. While Yang claimed the playoff win, Langer proved he still had the talent, going on to win the last event of the year, cementing his legacy in the sport.
**4-Iron**
At the PGA Championship held at Valhalla, Xander Schauffele found himself needing a birdie on the par-5 18th to clinch his first major title. After his drive rolled into a bunker, leaving the ball above his feet, he expertly hit a 4-iron that nearly reached the green. This left him with a manageable 35-yard pitch, which he converted for a winning birdie putt.
**Honorable Mention:** Just prior to this significant moment, Scottie Scheffler, recovering from a double bogey, drilled a 4-iron to 5 feet for birdie at the ninth hole on his way to capturing the FedEx Cup.
**5-Iron**
After an eight-year absence, Chris Kirk returned to The Sentry at Kapalua, overcoming a battle with alcoholism. As he contended for the lead on the final day, he faced a tough decision on the par-4 17th, with 209 yards across a gorge in tricky wind conditions. Opting for the 5-iron, he executed a remarkable shot to just 2 feet, securing a crucial birdie that led him to a final round of 65 and a one-shot victory.
**6-Iron**
Nelly Korda, already a strong contender after tying an LPGA record with five consecutive wins, faced a challenging start to the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club. Just three holes in, Korda’s troubles began as she hit a 6-iron into a back bunker. Her subsequent shots found the water, resulting in a devastating 10 and leaving her missing the cut.
**7-Iron**
Francesco Molinari had struggled to regain form since his impressive run at the British Open and Ryder Cup. He finally found some luck on Friday’s last hole at the U.S. Open when he struck a 7-iron that went just over a bunker and dropped straight into the hole for a hole-in-one, allowing him to make the cut.
**8-Iron**
Scottie Scheffler experienced a thrilling round at the Olympics, embarking on a comeback during the final day. After finding deep rough with his drive at the 17th hole, he skillfully hit an 8-iron onto the green, from where he made an impressive birdie that contributed to his gold medal victory, shooting a spectacular 62.
**9-Iron**
In the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Lottie Woad faced a challenging deficit but rallied with a sequence of birdies to finish strong. Her final birdie, a precise 9-iron struck to 15 feet, clinched her a one-shot victory, showcasing the composure needed to succeed under pressure.
**Pitching Wedge**
Rory McIlroy ended the year strong at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, edging out Rasmus Hojgaard in a closely contested duel. Tied on the 16th hole, McIlroy hit a pitching wedge over water to set up a tap-in birdie, sealing the win and providing a fitting ending to the year’s challenges.
**Honorable Mention:** Xander Schauffele also made waves with a pitching wedge during the final round at Royal Troon, sinking a shot to just 2 feet on the 11th hole, the only birdie made there that day.
**Sand Wedge**
In a decisive moment at the U.S. Open, Bryson DeChambeau held a slender lead heading into the last hole but faced a challenging shot after landing in a front bunker. His skillful use of the sand wedge left the ball just 4 feet from the hole, allowing him to make the par needed for victory at Pinehurst No. 2.
**Lob Wedge**
Scottie Scheffler found himself in a tight spot during the Masters, tied with competitors Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg. His lob wedge shot at No. 9 nearly found the hole, going inches past, which helped him maintain his lead to eventually secure the title.
**Putter**
For Grayson Murray, the Sony Open represented a critical moment in his life. In a remarkable feat, he sealed victory in a playoff with a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th green. This win became a cherished memory, as Murray’s journey took a tragic turn with his passing in May.