Golf Celebrations

[dfreuter415]

Just wondering what everyone's favorite golf celebration was?  And, do you celebrate on the course when you make a good shot?

My top 3 golf celebrations are:

3) Phil Mickelson's world record high jump after winning the 2004 Masters.

2) Jack Nicklaus chasing his putt into the 17th hole during the 1986 Masters.

1) Chi Chi Rodriguez's sword dance, anytime.

My friend John and I have a celebration anytime we make a birdie on the course. Very simply, it's the "birdie dance."

[Patch]

I Chi Chi's sword dance out of the three. It was not spontaneous, but original.

[dkolo]

Tiger running up behind the putt pointing into the hole is pretty sweet

[sjduffers]

Payne Stewart's forward charging, fist pumping move after he won the 1999 US Open at Pinehurst.  They made a statue in his likeness, of that exact pose at Pinehurst. A lot of people think it's just a regular fist pump, but the way he puts all his body into it, getting the trail leg to go a bit sideways in the process is iconic. To me, at least.

[turtleback]

I Chi Chi's sword dance out of the three. It was not spontaneous, but original.

I saw him do it at an exhibition at Westchester CC.  The man never stopped talking, before, during and after his swing.   Amazing.Other notable participants were Joe Dimaggio, Ron Swoboda, Bruce Jenner, and Janie Blalock,   This was late 70s.

Although his isn't one of my favorites (although I've come to appreciate him more over the years) Mickelson upon winning his first major is a heart-warming celebration.

Hale Irwin running around the green high fiving the crowd after wining the US Open was pretty cool as well.

[Gboroman]

I saw him do it at an exhibition at Westchester CC.  The man never stopped talking, before, during and after his swing.   Amazing.Other notable participants were Joe Dimaggio, Ron Swoboda, Bruce Jenner, and Janie Blalock,   This was late 70s.

Although his isn't one of my favorites (although I've come to appreciate him more over the years) Mickelson upon winning his first major is a heart-warming celebration.

Hale Irwin running around the green high fiving the crowd after wining the US Open was pretty cool as well.

Which tees did Bruce Jenner play from?

[lumpuckeroo]

I'm a fan of Jack, so I would go with the picture you have or the tossing of the putter in the British Open.  I never celebrate on the course, if I make a long putt or hit a really good iron, I figure I got away with one and don't want to bring attention to myself by the golf gods!

[turtleback]

Which tees did Bruce Jenner play from?

[dave s]

I'm a fan of watching guys playing golf on TV who do ANYTHING but scowl their way through a round of golf.  These guys need to LOOSEN UP and look like they're having fun playing golf for a living while making millions.

LeBron airballed a free-throw during a CAVS game on Sunday.  He laughed, the other guys on the line laughed.  LeBron and other players continued to exchange a laugh or two while he was getting back on defense.  Ever seen Nick Swisher play first base?  Does he know EVERYBODY in baseball and have something fun to chat about when they reach him at first?

Someone please explain why PGA tour players wear it out with stoic behavior all the time.  For goodness sake, it takes a freaking hole in one from Rory to get any kind of reaction from him.  If the PGA tour wants to grow golf, make it at least APPEAR that there's an ounce of fun to be had playing on TV for millions each week.  For kids, I'm sure it looks like the NFL, the 'No Fun League' out there.

dave

[Big C]

In terms of sheer intensity, the Tiger double fist pump on the 72nd hole of Torrey Pines 2008 is a tough celebration to top.

[Golfingdad]

It was overshadowed by a temporary lapse in etiquette by half of his team, but Justin Leonard's celebration after holing that putt in the 1999 Ryder Cup is pretty memorable.

Another that I'll never forget is Ben Crenshaw when he won the Masters shortly after Harvey Penick died.

[9424tm]

My favorite (or one of) may be Tom Watson jumping and running around the green after holing out a chip at the '82 US Open at Pebble. He looked like a little kid. I don't celebrate too much. After a good shot I usually do more a of a fist hammering motion rather than a fist pump. I wait until I'm in the parking lot to go nuts :)

[PJCdude]

Jacks is iconic and just right for me. I agree that these guys could lighten up a bit, but I always respect guys who are able to show happiness while still acting like they've been there before (which Jack surely had.) Barry Sanders handing the ball to the official after dodging all 11 defenders comes to mind

[Elrey Desol]

though more recent, i was digging Patrick Reed's "shhhh" at the Ryder Cup.

yes, it was cocky and the US didn't win, so it came off as gauche. that said, i loved some attitude from a US player on a world stage...it's sorely needed.

personally, i will throw out a tiny fist pump after a birdie, but that's about it. happy to high-five any playing partners after they hit a good shot though.

[Hardballs]

I simply yell "GET IN"!!!!!!! At about 120 decibels

[turtleback]

I'm a fan of watching guys playing golf on TV who do ANYTHING but scowl their way through a round of golf.  These guys need to LOOSEN UP and look like they're having fun playing golf for a living while making millions.

LeBron airballed a free-throw during a CAVS game on Sunday.  He laughed, the other guys on the line laughed.  LeBron and other players continued to exchange a laugh or two while he was getting back on defense.  Ever seen Nick Swisher play first base?  Does he know EVERYBODY in baseball and have something fun to chat about when they reach him at first?

Someone please explain why PGA tour players wear it out with stoic behavior all the time.  For goodness sake, it takes a freaking hole in one from Rory to get any kind of reaction from him.  If the PGA tour wants to grow golf, make it at least APPEAR that there's an ounce of fun to be had playing on TV for millions each week.  For kids, I'm sure it looks like the NFL, the 'No Fun League' out there.

dave

Unlike basketball where emotion can drive performance, the prevailing wisdom in golf is that staying on an even keel is more important given the need for precision in the golf.  You dn;t want to get too excited and hyped up.  It can affect your swing adversely.

But pay particular attention to my signature line on this one.