2002: Ernie Els earned his third career major victory and first British Open title at the 131st British Open at Muirfield. Els finished regulation tied with Thomas Levet, Steve Elkington and Stuart Appleby. In the playoff, Els made par on the first four holes. Els forced the first sudden-death playoff finish in tournament history against Thomas Levet. Els' amazing bunker shot on No. 18 set up his short par putt for the win.