Top 3 Trickiest and Most Memorable Golf Shots on Tour in 2024 Awards

As we head into December and one year ends with another PGA Tour season on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to reflect and hand out some awards. Today, we’re celebrating the highlights of the year with the Top 3 Trickiest and Most Memorable Golf Shots on Tour in 2024—and introducing a new category for a shot so extraordinary it demands recognition, even though it didn’t happen on the Tour.

The 2024 season delivered an unforgettable showcase of skill, creativity, and ingenuity. Fans were captivated by moments that pushed the limits of possibility and demonstrated the mastery of the game’s top players. From navigating near-impossible lies to executing precision shots under immense pressure, these highlights reminded us why professional golf is as thrilling as it is challenging.

Let’s dive into the year’s top moments that tested players’ technical abilities, creativity, and escape artistry under pressure.

Here are the Top 3 Trickiest and Most Memorable Golf Shots of 2024!

1. Xander Schauffele’s Clutch Escape at the PGA Championship

Xander Schauffele had a stellar 2024 season, capturing two major championships and adding multiple wins to his total on the PGA Tour. His remarkable consistency and clutch performances earned him the top spot on our list, edging out Bryson DeChambeau for #1.

With the PGA Championship 2024 title on the line at Valhalla Golf Club, Schauffele faced a daunting shot on the 18th hole. His ball lay in a precarious position near a bunker, demanding a flawless strike to stay in contention. Under immense pressure, Xander delivered a high-arcing, precise shot that landed just feet from the hole, setting up a winning birdie putt. This incredible escape not only secured his first major of the season but also showcased his unshakable calm and skill in the most critical moments.

2. Bryson DeChambeau’s U.S. Open Bunker Challenge

At Pinehurst during the U.S. Open, Bryson DeChambeau faced one of golf's toughest challenges—a long, 54-yard bunker shot to an elevated green on the 18th hole. Earlier in the round, Bryson had lost his lead to Rory McIlroy, but instead of folding under the pressure, he delivered a moment of brilliance. With his championship hopes on the line, DeChambeau executed the shot flawlessly, landing the ball within tap-in range.

What makes this shot stand out isn’t just the technical difficulty of escaping Pinehurst's notoriously unforgiving bunkers and soft sand but the mental fortitude Bryson displayed. Faced with one of the most daunting shots in golf, he rose to the occasion, turning a potential disaster into a masterclass in precision and resilience. This pivotal moment not only helped seal the US Open victory but also earned its place as one of the most celebrated highlights of the season.

3. Viktor Hovland’s Pivotal Ryder Cup Shot

During the Ryder Cup, Viktor Hovland faced a near-impossible approach shot under the intense pressure of international competition. From an awkward angle and a tight lie, he delivered a perfectly executed shot that landed just inches from the pin, electrifying the crowd. The difficulty of the setup, coupled with the high-stakes environment, made this one of the trickiest shots of the year and a career highlight for Hovland.

These moments define the season’s most challenging and unforgettable highlights, reminding fans that golf is as much about mental fortitude and adaptability as it is about technical skill. Each of these players rose to the occasion, turning tricky situations into moments of brilliance.

New Category Spotlight: Trickiest and Most Memorable Golf Shot by an Influencer in 2024

1. Bryson DeChambeau’s Hole-in-One Over His House

It may not have happened on a professional tour, but when it comes to tricky and unforgettable shots, Bryson DeChambeau takes the spotlight and edges out all the amateur influencers. Topping our list is one of the most talked-about moments of the year: Bryson's incredible hole-in-one by launching a golf ball over his house in Grapevine, Texas. This wasn’t just a trick shot—it was a blind, over-a-glass-house shot that checked every box for difficulty. What truly secures its place at number one is its lasting impact. This shot will be remembered by golf fans and anyone who caught it on social media, proving that Bryson knows how to captivate audiences far beyond the course.

This wasn’t your typical hole-in-one and wasn't on any of the pro golf tours—it took 16 days and an incredible 133 attempts to nail the blind shot with a glass house in the way. The video, capturing Bryson’s joy and relief, went viral almost instantly, racking up a staggering amount of views across social media. Fans praised Bryson for his persistence and creativity, further solidifying his status as one of golf’s most entertaining personalities.

My Takeaway

The 2024 golf season was a powerful reminder of why this game is as much about strategy and creativity as it is about skill. From Bryson DeChambeau’s viral trick shot to Viktor Hovland’s inventive fairway shortcut, these moments proved that the most unforgettable plays often come from thinking outside the box—or even over the house.

This year’s awards celebrated brilliance on some of golf’s most prestigious stages, including two major championships and Ryder Cup venues, adding even more weight to the incredible shots that captivated fans. As we look ahead, we can only hope for more awe-inspiring performances in 2025 that redefine what’s possible in the game we love.