The Masters Tournament is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. It is held annually in the first full week of April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, United States. The tournament was first played in 1934 and has since become a tradition in the world of golf.
The Masters is the first major championship of the year and is widely regarded as the most prestigious of the four majors. It is an invitation-only event and the field is limited to approximately 90 players. The top 50 players in the world golf rankings are automatically invited, along with former Masters champions, winners of other major championships, and selected amateurs.
The course at Augusta National is known for its challenging layout and pristine conditions. The course measures 7,435 yards and is a par 72. It features undulating fairways, treacherous bunkers, and lightning-fast greens that are among the most difficult to putt on in the world.
Here are 10 of the most memorable performances in the history of the Masters Tournament, listed in chronological order:
Gene Sarazen, 1935 – In the second year of the tournament, Gene Sarazen made one of the most famous shots in golf history. On the par-5 15th hole, he holed out from 235 yards for a double eagle, which helped him force a playoff with Craig Wood that he would go on to win.
Arnold Palmer, 1960 – In one of the most exciting finishes in Masters history, Arnold Palmer birdied the final two holes to win his second green jacket. His charge included a dramatic recovery shot from behind a tree on the 13th hole, which he famously hooked around and onto the green.
Jack Nicklaus, 1965 – In his second Masters victory, Jack Nicklaus set a new tournament scoring record of 271, which stood for 32 years. He shot a final-round 69 to win by nine strokes, which is still the largest margin of victory in Masters history.
Gary Player, 1978 – In a year when many top players struggled with the difficult course conditions, Gary Player rose to the challenge. He shot a final-round 64 to come from seven shots back and win his third green jacket.
Jack Nicklaus, 1986 – At age 46, Jack Nicklaus defied the odds and won his sixth green jacket in one of the most remarkable comebacks in golf history. He shot a final-round 65, including birdies on the last two holes, to win by one stroke.
Tiger Woods, 1997 – In his first Masters appearance as a professional, Tiger Woods dominated the field, setting a new tournament record of 18-under par and winning by a record 12 strokes. His performance was seen as a turning point in golf, ushering in a new era of power and athleticism.
Phil Mickelson, 2004 – In a dramatic back-and-forth battle with Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson made a clutch birdie on the final hole to win his first major championship. His victory ended a long drought of near-misses in major championships and cemented his place among the game’s elite players.
Tiger Woods, 2005 – In what is widely considered one of the greatest Masters tournaments ever played, Tiger Woods won his fourth green jacket with a dramatic birdie on the 16th hole in the final round. His chip shot from behind the green rolled slowly toward the hole before dropping in, prompting one of the most famous reactions in golf history.
Jordan Spieth, 2015 – In a dominant performance that included a wire-to-wire victory, Jordan Spieth tied Tiger Woods’ record for lowest score in Masters history at 18-under par. He led by at least three strokes after each round and became the second-youngest player to win the tournament.
Tiger Woods, 2019 – In a remarkable comeback after years of injury and personal turmoil, Tiger Woods won his fifth green jacket and his first major championship in over a decade. His final-round 70 included clutch birdies on the 15th and 16th holes, and he sealed the victory with a par on the 18th. His emotional reaction on the final hole, as he hugged his caddie and celebrated with the crowd, was a moment that will be remembered for years to come.