Watson outdid Nicklaus in 1982

Ironically, 20 years on from winning his first US Open title, Nicklaus found himself denied a fifth by the then dominant player in the world, Tom Watson.

The moment of the tournament came at the 17th hole, where Watson faced a potentially tricky up-and-down to save his par.

But with typical aplomb, the American chipped in from off the green to make a birdie and he managed another at the 18th to beat Nicklaus by two.

1990 - Irwin's late, late show

Hale Irwin, at the age of 45, became the oldest US Open champion after a marathon play-off with Mike Donald.

After both men had finished tied during the first four rounds, Donald took a one-shot lead into the final hole of the extra 18.

But a hooked tee shot into the trees cost him a par and Irwin capitalised at the first extra play-off hole with a birdie putt from eight feet.

Perhaps the most memorable moment was Irwin's celebrations, where he high-fived many of the watching gallery.

1995 - Pavin's four wood of glory

Bearing in mind how tricky the 18th hole at Southern Hills is, it may serve players well to remember Corey Pavin's glorious approach to the last at Shinnecock in 1995.

Clutching onto a slender lead from the ominous pair of Greg Norman and Tom Lehman, Pavin took a four wood, knowing that anything except perfect contact could be disastrous.

But the diminutive American produced the shot of the championship, landing it on the green to guarantee the par he needed.

It was a truly fitting way for him to win his first and only Major title.

2000 - Tiger's exhibition

Tiger Woods was flawless at Pebble Beach

Considered by many to be the most complete exhibition of golf ever seen, it is hard to pick out one moment of Tiger Woods' record breaking performance at Pebble Beach.

But if there was one moment which showed Woods to be the master of all he surveys, it was at the par-five sixth.

After a couple of lose shots, Woods still found himself 200 yards away from the pin and in some very thick rough.

But embodying the 'sense of calmness' he attributed his performance to, Woods used a seven iron to pitch his shot just short of the green and roll on for an eventual birdie.

The 'Tiger' went on to win the tournament by a record 15 shots.