At the end of the 1999 British Open at Carnoustie, Jean van de Velde had practically guaranteed the first win by a Frenchman since 1907.
On the last hole Van de Velde led the tournament, only needing to make a 6 on a par-4 hole to secure the win. Van de Velde had played this hole three times prior, twice making a birdie and once a par. With this track record, and only needing a double-bogey, his win was essentially ensured.
However, this promised win quickly turned into a choke. Van de Velde chose to use a driver off of the tee which drove the ball right of Barry Burn, the small river that runs through the 18th hole, narrowly missing the water. Instead of playing it safe with a lay-up to secure his win, he chose to aim for the greens. But, it rebounded off the grandstand into the rough instead.
Unfortunately for Van de Velde, while hitting the ball out the rough he sent the ball directly into Barry Burn.
He took off his socks and shoes to climb into the watery grave that took his win, where he planned to play in the water and salvage what he could of his standing. But, Van de Velde decided to take a drop and climb out of the water to drive the ball.
He then putted the ball on a triple-bogey landing himself in a three-way play-off after what should have been an easy win.
