The Masters Tournament, a tournament unlike any other in golf, has provided some of the most unforgettable moments in golf history. It is held at the Augusta National Golf Club every spring and has been home to countless legendary moments, heartbreaking losses, and incredible comebacks. This article aims to review some of the most iconic moments we’ve seen from the Masters and paint a picture of why it’s such a popular and celebrated event.
Gene Sarazen’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” (1935)
Gene Sarazen had an albatross on the 15th hole during the 1935 Masters. This is one of the earliest triumphant moments in tournament history. Sarazen made a 235-yard shot to card a double eagle. It’s been refered to as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World.” The shot itself left him tied with Craig Wood, who he went on to later pass and win the tournament in a 36-hole playoff.
Arnold Palmer’s First Masters Victory (1958)
Arnold Palmer’s first Masters win in 1958 was a defining moment his career. Arnold Palmer is one of the most legendary golfers in history for a reason. He birdied the last two holes to win by a single stroke. It was a dramatic finish that gave him his first Masters win and also set the stage for further success throughout his career, including more Masters wins
Jack Nicklaus’ Record Sixth Masters Win (1986)
Jack Nicklaus’ win in the 1986 Masters is still one of the most talked about moments in golf history. He shot an incredible 30 on the back nine in the final round to claim his sixth green jacket. This performance is often regarded as the greatest Masters win of all time.
Tiger Woods’ Historic First Masters Win (1997)
Tiger Woods’ first Masters win in 1997 was a breakthrough moment in sports history. At just 21 years old, Tiger won by 12 strokes and set 20 Masters records in the process. He was the first African American to win the Masters, a significant milestone in breaking down racial barriers in golf.
Phil Mickelson’s Emotional First Major Win (2004)
Phil Mickelson’s 2004 Masters victory was long awaited. After years of being labeled the “best player never to win a major,” Phil’s birdie on 18 secured his first major. His leap into the air after his winning putt became an iconic silhouette, symbolizing the end of his long quest for a major title.
Bubba Watson’s Improbable Shot (2012)
Bubba Watson’s incredible recovery shot in the 2012 Masters playoff is one of the most remarkable shots in golf history. He was trapped in the trees on the second playoff hole and hit a miraculous hook from the pine straw. The ball curved nearly 40 yards onto the green and highlighted his willingness to be creative even in dire moments.
Adam Scott’s Breakthrough for Australia (2013)
Adam Scott’s win in 2013 was a huge moment for Australians in golf. He defeated Angel Cabrera in a playoff to become the first Australian with a Masters win. His birdie on the second playoff hole made this a particularly significant moment in the tournament’s history.
Jordan Spieth’s Record-Tying Win (2015)
Jordan Spieth’s dominant win in 2015, tying Tiger Woods’ 1997 record of 18-under par, marked the arrival of golf’s next superstar. Spieth led the tournament from start to finish and was a rare display of pure dominance from a young golfer.
Sergio Garcia’s Redemption (2017)
Sergio Garcia’s victory in 2017 was part of a notable redemption story. After nearly 20 years of of major championship heartbreak, Garcia won the Masters in a dramatic playoff against Justin Rose. This victory was especially noteworthy being on what would have been the 60th birthday of Garcia’s idol, Seve Ballesteros, a two-time Masters champion as well.
Tiger Woods’ Comeback Win (2019)
Tiger Woods’ victory in 2019, his fifth Masters title, completed one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Take a look at the Sports Illustrated cover from this one. It’s one of the few covers with no title, letting the moment speak for itself. After years of personal and professional struggles, including multiple back surgeries, Tigers win was a testament to greatness and further cemented his legacy.