Jean Van de Velde Carnoustie putter: A Rematch on the 18th
After his collapse on the 18th hole at Carnoustie during the 1999 Open, a commentator remarked that he could have shot under seven using just his putter. In December, Jean Van de Velde returned to the course to test this theory, making three attempts in the cold and wind of the North Sea.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
This short film from 1999 begins with footage from the Open: Jean Van de Velde was three strokes ahead starting from the last hole and lost it—a collapse that has gone down in history. In December, he returned to Carnoustie with his only putter. The 18th is a 444-yard par 4 that crosses the Barry Burn twice—just in front of the tee and about 20 yards before the green. On the first day, the temperature is zero degrees, and the wind is blowing in from the North Sea.
He makes three attempts over two days, in the thick rough and against the wind, all with a great sense of humor. On his third and final attempt, he crosses the Barry Burn and arrives into a rough bunker near the green in three shots. He finishes in sixth place: better than the seven played in July. The film also shows a player who keeps a smile on his face in the face of his most publicized failure.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Let's review the context: a three-stroke lead going into the final hole of the 1999 Open.
- Take a look at the layout of the 18th: a par-4 hole that's 444 yards long and crosses the Barry Burn twice.
- Watch the first two attempts, in the cold, wind, and thick rough.
- Take a look at the third hole: you cross the stream and reach a grass bunker in three shots.
- Check out the final score: six—better than the seven we scored in July.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Reducing Jean Van de Velde to his 1999 collapse.
- Watch this film as a technical lesson: it's a documentary on the history of the Open.
- Forget the context: a North Sea wind and a frozen green in December.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Watching the footage from the 1999 Open
- Mapping the Course of Carnoustie No. 18 and the Barry Burn
- Discussion among partners about the game strategy on the final hole while leading
Your Questions
Why did Jean Van de Velde return to Carnoustie with a putter?
After the 1999 Open, a commentator said he could have played the entire 18th hole with just a putter and still shot under seven. He returned in December to see if that was true.
How many putts did he take with the putter?
On his third and final attempt, he scored a six, which was better than the seven he shot in July at the Open.
Under what conditions did he play?
In December 1999, with a temperature of zero degrees on the first day, a wind blowing in from the North Sea, and a frozen green.
What is the main challenge on the 18th hole at Carnoustie?
The Barry Burn, a stream that the hole crosses twice: right in front of the tee and about 20 yards before the green.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jean Van de Velde). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.