Glorious Failures

When the best isn't good enough

JIM FURYK, 46, made history in the final round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., by shooting the PGA Tour's first-ever 58. This came three years after Furyk became one of only six players to shoot a 59 on Tour and two weeks after Stephan Jaeger shot a 58 at the Web.com tour's Ellie Mae Classic. The difference? Jaeger won, Furyk didn't. He started the day 16 shots back, at one over, and his 12 under par left him tied for fifth, three shots behind winner Russell Knox. Furyk's is not the only stellar effort to be part of a losing cause.

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ATHLETE	DATE	EVENT	RESULT
John Landy	8/7/1954	"Miracle Mile"	Ran his second sub-four-minute time but was passed by Roger Bannister in the stretch
Harvey Haddix	5/26/1959	Pirates vs. Braves	Had a perfect game for 12 innings, but gave up a run in the 13th
Jerry West	5/5/1969	NBA Finals	Averaged 38 points and was named MVP, but the Lakers lost 4--3 to the Celtics
Chuck Howley	1/17/1971	Super Bowl V	Racked up two picks and a fumble recovery to earn the MVP award in a 16--13 loss to the Colts
Michael Jordan	4/20/1986	East quarterfinals	Scored 63 against the Celtics in Game 2, which ended 135--131 Boston in double OT