When it comes to golf, there’s legendary—and then there’s Tiger Woods. Few athletes in any sport have dominated their game the way Tiger has, blending power, precision, and a mental toughness that turned every tournament into must-see TV. From his Hello World press conference, to winning the Masters as a 21-year-old kid (did you know that baby Goats are called ‘kids?’), to his gritty comeback wins, Tiger didn’t just play golf—he redefined it.
His impact goes far beyond trophies and highlight reels. Tiger brought a new energy to the sport, drawing in millions of fans who had never picked up a club, and inspiring a new generation of players who grew up wanting to be just like him. In short, if golf was great before Tiger, it became something unforgettable with him in it. Must watch TV.
In honor of the first round kicking off today of one of Tiger’s favorite tourneys, the Memorial Invitational, we have curated our Top 10 list of his greatest shots. It’s one helluva list. Ten of Tiger’s most jaw-dropping, spine-tingling, fist-pumping shots. These aren’t just highlights. They’re heroic moments that helped shape the legend. And here’s a hint: one of the highlights comes straight from Muirfield Village. Do you remember?
2000 WGC-NEC Invitational – 18th Hole: Lights Out!
Playing in near darkness, Tiger’s approach shot at Firestone’s 18th hole was so precise it seemed guided by radar, landing just a few feet from the pin. The image of the ball against the dusky sky is iconic.
2019 Masters – 16th Hole: Almost an Ace!
In the final round of the 2019 Masters, Tiger was on the prowl for his 15th major. At the 16th hole, he nearly aced it, sending the crowd into a frenzy and securing his fifth green jacket.
2008 U.S. Open – 18th Hole: The Clutch Putt
On a bum knee, Tiger sank a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th during the final round at Torrey to force a playoff against a cherubic Rocco Mediate, an unlikely underdog who played his part in the fable that was the 2008 US Open. Tiger’s play in that year’s US Open showcased his tenacity and flair for the dramatic.
2005 Masters – 16th Hole: The Chip Heard ‘Round the World
Facing a tricky chip, Tiger’s ball paused dramatically on the lip before dropping in, a moment etched in golf lore. Hell, the TV time his Nike golf ball received during the broadcast of the shot directly led to millions of white Nike pearlies getting snatched up by ardent fans and newbies to the game.
2000 Canadian Open – 18th Hole: The 6-Iron Miracle
From a fairway bunker over water, Tiger’s 6-iron shot landed just feet from the hole, sealing the win and leaving fans in awe. Did he mean to hit it as far right as it landed on the green? Probably not. But he’s Tiger, and he never admitted to pushing his shot. Glorious.
1997 Phoenix Open – 16th Hole: The Ace
At the raucous 16th, Tiger’s hole-in-one sent the crowd into a beer-throwing celebration, marking one of the most memorable moments in golf. Was it the most recognizable hole-in-one of all time? Yep!
2000 PGA Championship – 18th Hole: The Clutch Birdie
Needing a birdie to force a playoff, Tiger delivered, showcasing his nerves of steel under pressure. Unheralded journeyman Bob May deserved to win the Wanamaker trophy that year, but the GOAT wouldn’t have it.
2001 Players Championship – 17th Hole: The “Better Than Most” Putt
On the infamous island green, Tiger’s triple-breaking putt was so impressive, commentator Gary Koch exclaimed, “Better than most!” The call on the putt made Gary Koch famous. Tiger’s putt. Not Gary’s putt. Gary just happened to luck out with a hot mic in front of him. That’s the power of Tiger.
2006 British Open – 14th Hole: The Emotional Shot
After his father’s passing, Tiger’s approach shot on the 14th led to an eagle, and he knew right there, victory was in his grasp. This shot may not be as recognizable as the others on this list, but it sure was a doozy that helped catapult Tiger to victory.
2012 Memorial – 16th Hole: The Flop Memorialized at Jack’s Place
At the par-3 16th at Muirfield Village, a wayward tee shot left him buried in the deep rough with only one real option: a delicate flop shot, with water lurking ominously behind the pin. What happened next even surprised Tiger. He somehow landed the ball with feather-soft touch, letting it roll perfectly down the slope and drop into the hole for a stunning birdie. He capped off the round with a two-shot victory—and one more unforgettable moment for the highlight reel.
So, how many of our favorite shots did you recall? These moments highlight Tiger Woods’ incredible talent and flair for creating unforgettable memories on the golf course. Thank you Tiger for making the game we love even more remarkable.