The Open anniversaries: Paul Lawrie's Carnoustie win, 20 years on
By Mike Patterson
Last Updated: 15/07/19 8:15am
The 128th Open Championship at Carnoustie in 1999 produced one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of golf as Scotland's Paul Lawrie claimed the title following a scarcely-believable collapse from Jean van de Velde.
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More on the finale follows, but there was some golf played on the Angus links before that, although it was far from easy as the narrow fairways and thick rough caused havoc in the wind.
No player broke par in the opening round as Australian Rod Pampling led the way with a level-par 71, Lawrie among a group of seven players tied for fourth on two over.
Van de Velde claimed the halfway lead thanks to a three-under 68 which put him one over for the tournament and one ahead of Argentina's Angel Cabrera, Lawrie four off the pace following a 74.
The Frenchman then looked in total command after 54 holes as a one-under 70 earned him a five-shot cushion over American Justin Leonard and Australian Craig Parry.
Lawrie, then a 30-year-old, appeared out of it after a 76 left him 10 behind - but he was to make history on the Sunday as he completed the biggest comeback in major championship history.
A four-under 67 lifted Lawrie back up the leaderboard but a victory still appeared highly unlikely despite the drama going on behind him, which had seen Van de Velde briefly surrender his lead to Parry and Leonard then join him at the top.
Van de Velde eventually made it to the 18th tee with a three-shot advantage and the title seemingly in the bag, only for him to make a triple-bogey seven after his infamous visit to the Barry Burn.
That set up a four-hole play-off involving Van de Velde, Lawrie and Leonard and it was the Scot who emerged victorious by three shots.
"Jean should have won," Lawrie said. "No disrespect, I'm glad he did what he did. I can't explain it but I had a feeling someone could come through who wasn't supposed to."
Watch The 148th Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports' dedicated channel! Live coverage begins with "Live at The Open" on Monday from 4pm on Sky Sports The Open.
