2011 Shots of the Year

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So many great shots were struck in 2011 that it was difficult to narrow down the list to the top 10. But using a variety of parameters -- such as difficulty of the shot, importance of the moment, unusual circumstances or reactions -- as well as our own subjective opinions, here is PGATOUR.COM's list of the top 10 shots in 2011. (Shots selected are primarily at PGA TOUR non-major events.)

We will unveil them one at a time, starting with No. 10 on Dec. 6, with the No. 1 Shot of the Year being unveiled on Dec. 15 (unveiling schedule below).

Best of the rest: Watch the shots that didn't quite make the cut

You may disagree with the order. You may think we left out some shots. But that's the beauty of a list, right? If we generate some discussion, that's the best thing.

No. 1: Haas escapes, goes on to win FedExCup

Bill Haas and Hunter Mahan were embroiled in a playoff at the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola -- and the winner would also claim the 2011 FedExCup and the $10 million prize that goes along with it.

With all that riding on the line, Bill Haas bunkered his tee shot on the first playoff hole, then pulled his approach in the water bordering the 17th green at East Lake.

With Mahan safely on the green, Haas blasted out of the water to three feet, made par, then won the tournament (and the FedExCup) on the next hole.

No. 2: Stricker's birdie from the bunker

Steve Stricker was faced with a huge problem on the 72nd hole of the John Deere Classic: He was deep in a fairway bunker with the ball below his feet. He needed a birdie to win -- and he hooked a 6-iron that somehow ended up 25 feet from the hole. He made that putt to secure his third consecutive John Deere Classic.

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No. 3: Bradley's major 35-footer

Rookie Keegan Bradley knew he had to make some big putts in the final holes at the PGA Championship if he was going to win, and that's just what he did.

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No. 4: Points remarkable hole-out at Pebble

Faced with a tricky approach shot into a severe green at Pebble Beach, D.A. Points hit a crisp shot on a great line, right into the hole for eagle. But was the shot or his subsequent chest bump with partner Bill Murray more impressive?

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No. 5: Marino's 'trick shot'

Steve Marino said he "felt like he was playing tee ball." That's how awkward his stance was on the 18th hole at the Sony Open in Hawaii, but he wound up hitting one of the best shots of the year.

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No. 6: Toms' clutch shot

No. 18 at TPC Sawgrass was one of the hardest holes in 2011. David Toms came to the par-4 18th hole needing a birdie to force a playoff with K.J. Choi. Toms made birdie despite his ball coming to rest in a divot.

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No. 7: Donald's pressure-packed putt

Luke Donald made quite a statement at the CMN Hospitals Classic when he went on a birdie binge to win the tournament and the money title.
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No. 8: I have 305 to the pin? No problem

In the opening round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Bubba Watson's driver off the deck from 305 yards settles within 10 feet of the cup on the par-5 18th hole, and he converts the eagle putt.
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No. 9: 'Scariest tee shot in golf'

In the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Jarrod Lyle thrills the crowd with an electrifying hole-in-one at the par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.

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No. 10: Mickelson to Bones: Tend the flag!

In the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open, Phil Mickelson thrills the crowd at Torrey Pines by having Jim ''Bones'' Mackay tend the flag on his approach shot into the par-5 finishing hole.
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