Our Top 5 Moments at the US Open

By Quantum, June 16

4. 1999 – Payne Stewart3 of 7

The 1999 US Open – Payne Stewart

The first ever Open played at Pinehurst No. 2 featured a bewitching setup, but the big names including Tiger, Vijay and Duval charged before falling back leaving just Payne Stewart and beeper-wearing father-to-be Phil Mickelson with a chance to win at the final hole.

Mickelson’s 25-foot birdie putt stopped short, giving Stewart the opportunity to hole a 15-footer for par to win. In the pouring rain and mist, the gum-chomping Stewart stepped up and rolled the putt home, he punched the air emphatically and then bear-hugged caddie Mike Hicks. The iconic celebration is today cast in bronze at the Pinehurst resort.

Unfortunately that October, a plane crash took Stewart’s life, but nothing could dim the memory of one of the game’s greatest showmen winning an unforgettable duel.

Video credit to the USGA.