'Putt of a lifetime': Insane 100ft effort stuns world
American Zach Johnson left commentators and fans gobsmacked after sinking one of the longest putts in the history of major golf championships.
Johnson’s astonishing feat came at the par-5 sixth at The Open when his second shot made it to the green but left him still a good 100 feet (30m) from the pin.
As if the distance wasn’t daunting enough, Johnson also had to contend with a large mound in front of him and a wickedly undulating green.
Remarkably though, the 2015 Open champion’s monster putt twisted and turned straight into the cup for an eagle – sending social media into a frenzy.
Oh my god that putt from Zach Johnson for eagle. Unbloodybelievable #TheOpen2018
— Alison McCullough (@YaomogaochorAli) July 21, 2018
Zach Johnson just made a putt for eagle further than I can hit it 😂. #TheOpen
— Ryan Saggers (@RSaggers) July 21, 2018
Wow that putt from Zach Johnson #TheOpen
— Steve Box (@Stevolution76) July 21, 2018
Zach Johnson just hit a putt from Manhattan!! #TheOpen
— The Big Dog ™️ (@notjonbanks) July 21, 2018
Zach Johnson just made a putt from St. Andrews. Good lord.
— Chase Petitt (@C_Petitt) July 21, 2018
Zach Johnson isn't my fav player, but that was a putt of a lifetime. Respect
— Colin Nicol (@colin_nicol) July 21, 2018
Despite his heroics, Johnson could only manage a 72 after an up and down third round at Carnoustie.
That left the American at in a tie for sixth at five-under for the tournament heading into the final round.
The men to catch are a trio of Johnson’s compatriots – Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele and Kevin Kisner – who share the lead at nine-under.
Another American Kevin Chappell (67) is two shots off the lead with Italy’s Francesco Molinari (65) on six under alone in fifth.
Tiger Woods, who had six birdies in his round of 66, is another stroke back alongside Rory McIlroy (70), Webb Simpson (67), Alex Noren (67), Matt Kuchar (70), Tommy Fleetwood (71) and Zach Johnson (72).
England’s Justin Rose is a shot behind Woods and McIlroy after earlier equalling the lowest score in an Open at Carnoustie with a brilliant 64, a day after needing a birdie on the last just to make the cut.
Australian Adam Scott is also at four under after a 68 left him in the hunt as the best placed Australian going into the final round.
With AAP