The 1984 Open
The celebration that became his trademark; Severiano Ballesteros punchesthe air on the 18th after winning the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews.
Tom Watson watching his tee closely during the 1984 Open Championship, which many expected him to win.
1984 Story
A scenic shot of Nick Faldo putting on the 17th green during the 1984 Open Championship.
The final leaderboard, in front of Hamilton Hall, tells the story of the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews.
The 1984 Open Championship seemed destined to be a tale of Tom Watson as he attempted a third consecutive victory which would, in turn, equal Harry Vardon’s overall record of six Open Championship victories.
An opening 71 saw him four shots behind first round leaders Peter Jacobsen, Bill Longmuir and Greg Norman. Round two saw some blistering scoring with Ian Baker-Finch shooting a 66 to follow his opening 68 and establish a three shot lead over Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Lee Trevino. Watson shot a 68 and was just five shots back. This deficit was reduced to zero on day three with a wonderful 66 from Watson saw him share the lead with Baker-Finch after 54 holes. Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer formed the penultimate group on the final day, just two shots behind, with the former predicting his own victory at a packed press conference at the end of the third day. Watson, Langer and Ballesteros were neck and neck all day, but Seve finished ‘par – birdie’ to Watson’s ‘bogey – par’ and managed a victory that he claimed was: “…the happiest moment of my whole sporting life.”
Bill Longmuir with a difficult stance in a bunker during the 1984 Open Championship.
Ian Baker-Finch is hidden in the Road Hole bunker during the 1984 Open Championship.
Bernhard Langer showing his emotions during the 1984 Open Championship.
Arnold Palmer teeing off on the 15th hole during the 1984 Open Championship.