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Iconic Royal Birkdale images: Mark O'Meara's lost ball search

Sunday 16 July 2017 16:21, UK

Spectators help American golfer Mark O'Meara (centre) to look for a lost ball at the British Open at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, 18th July 199
Image: Spectators help American golfer Mark O'Meara (centre) to look for a lost ball at Royal Birkdale in 1998

We continue our countdown to The Open by taking a look back at another iconic image from the Royal Birkdale archives - Mark O'Meara searching for his lost ball during his charge to victory in 1998.

The American was helped out by a host of spectators at the course in Southport after his second shot at the sixth hole during his third round went somewhat awry.

Slightly controversially, O'Meara was then allowed to play his ball from a relatively favourable spot without a penalty, before going on to claim the title - and the only Major win in his career - the following day.

American golfer Mark O'Meara drops a new ball after losing one in the rough during the British Open at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, 18th July 1
Image: O'Meara drops a new ball after losing one in the rough

The fact O'Meara was not docked a stroke or more was made all the more significant when he actually finished level with Brian Watts after four rounds, before going on to lift the Claret Jug after winning the four-hole play-off, beating his compatriot by two strokes.

Also See:

The Open - Official Films

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