The top five moments in Masters history

Every Spring, Augusta National plays host to iconic moments for golfing’s greatest. This year, COVID-19 pushed the Masters to November, and sees us trading in azaleas for golden leaves. But regardless of when it’s held, Masters weekend ensures can’t-miss golf.

As we head into the most unusual Masters in history, let’s take a look back at some of the best green-jacket moments in the tournament’s prestigious past.

5. Tiger Woods (2019)

Tiger Woods entered the 2019 Masters as a four-time champion. As he looked around, most of his contemporaries had been replaced by a younger generation of golfers who had fallen in love with the game by watching him play. After years of health issues and missed cuts, the greatest golfer of his generation was asked if he needed to win again, or if simply wanted to win again.

When they headed towards the weekend, Woods was tied for sixth. Saturday started with a stumble when he was over through five holes, before he proceeded to shoot 67.

Tiger made the turn at -10 on Sunday, three shots back, and surged through the back nine to take the sole lead with a birdie at 15. He birdied 16, and with a par on 17 ensured all he needed was a bogey on 18 to add another green jacket to his collection. He did just that.

4. Phil Mickelson (2004)

The 2004 Masters had storylines aplenty. For starters, it was Arnold Palmer’s 50th consecutive appearance at the tournament, and it would be his last. Many fans were also buzzing about golf's ultimate bridesmaid, Phil Mickelson, who was looking for his first win in 46 major starts.

"Lefty" grew up with a putting green in his backyard and when the Masters were on the line, the green on 18 was where he clinched his first major. At the age of 33, Mickelson finally donned his green jacket by defeating Ernie Els by one stroke.

3. Gary Player (1978)

Augusta National has played host to many iconic comebacks, but few were more impressive than Gary Player’s in 1978. Player was eight shots back at the beginning of play on Sunday. That's when the 42-year-old birdied nine holes, including six of the back nine to complete his path to victory. His 64 set the record for the lowest final round by any tournament winner.

2. Tiger Woods (1997)

There were fewer bigger stars in sports during the 1990s than Woods. The talent gap between Tiger and everyone else on the PGA Tour was never more evident than in his first Masters victory.

Woods went into the final round with a nine-stroke lead and finished Sunday with a 69 to win by a record 12 shots. He broke the Masters’ 72-hole scoring mark (270) and celebrated what would be his first of five green jackets.

1. Jack Nicklaus (1986)

Back in 1986, Jack Nicklaus was 46 and was six years removed from a major victory. As far as the pundits were concerned, he didn’t have a prayer at Amen Corner.

Fortunately the Golden Bear didn't listen to his naysayers. Nicklaus shot a 30 on the final nine to beat Greg Norman and Tom Kite. In a career with 117 wins and 18 major championships, there are many iconic moments, but his shot on 17 to take the lead is among the most replayed and revered.

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