Hi everyone, hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. It is Masters week so why not make our Top 12 this week a Masters Moment theme. There are many to choose from and was a tough list to decipher. But I did my best to make a great list, as always this list is for a great discussion so please comment below or on my facebook (sports Stew with Drew) or Twitter (@stewdrew) with your responses. Have a great week everyone!
#12 Dustin Johnson gets to 20 under (2020)
The usually stoic Dustin Johnson could not hold his emotions together after he accomplished a feat never done before at Augusta. Finishing 20 under par. Dustin Johnson would go wire to wire in a dominant performance that had many thinking could this be the D.J major run we have been waiting for years to happen. We will find out in 2021.
#11 Bubba from the Pine Straw (2012)
Bubba Watson was in a playoff against Louis Oosthuizen in the 2012 Masters. On the first playoff hole (number 10 on the course) Bubba Watson hooked his tee shot into the woods and looked to be in a tough position to even sniff the green. Bubba didn’t just sniff the green but knock it throw the woods stiff onto the green 15 feet from the pin. Watson would two putt for the victory.
#10 The first ever Masters at Augusta National (1934)
The first ever Masters held at Augusta National was in 1934. Horton Smith would win the event by one stroke over Craig Wood. The moment isn’t Horton Smith and Craig Wood, but that arguably the most Iconic event at it’s most iconic venue would begin it’s inauguration that is still held every spring (with exception of last year). You know the trees are about to start growing their leaves back and warm days are ahead when the Masters is here. Check out this video from EA Sports, thought it was pretty awesome
#9 Ben Hogan hosting the first Champions Dinner (1952)
The Champions dinner has become a prestigious tradition that the legends of the game attend almost every year. Ben Hogan started this tradition to reminisce, swap banter and relax. This has become one of the greatest traditions in all of sports and is still as relevant as ever in todays day and age.
#8 Larry Mize Chip in to win it (1987)
Golf stars Steve Ballesteros and Greg Norman (more on the shark in a bit) were locked in a 3 way playoff with a chance to win the 1987 Masters. But neither won win the green jacket as the little known Larry Mize would make a chip in from just off the green to bring home his one and only major. It was one of those unexpected holy crap moments which is the reason why we love the Masters and sports in general.
#7 Tiger complete the Tiger Slam (2001)
The fact the Tiger completing the Slam in 2001 is so low on this list shows just how many great moments we have had at Augusta. Tiger’s dominance in the early 2000’s was like nothing we have ever seen in golf (and may never see again). Tiger’s response to his clinching putt on 18 shows his true greatness and the ability to close.
#6 Greg Norman’s Collapse (1996)
Greg Norman have had many close calls at the Masters but had a five stroke lead heading into the final round of the 1996 Masters and looked primed to finally win that ever elusive green jacket. The final round was going well for Norman has he maintained a four shot lead on Sunday. But the final 10 holes would doom the shark as he would hit two balls in the water (on 12 and 16) to collapse to the point that Nick Faldo had turned a four stroke deficit into a five stroke victory. The collapse was one of the biggest in any sporting event.
#5 In your life!! Tiger Woods chip on 16 (2005)
Tiger Woods had a one stroke lead over Chris DiMarco but would hit a brutal tee shot on 16 hooking to way left. Staring possibly bogey or double bogey straight in the face Tiger would say nah I’m going to chip this in for birdie. Tiger would eventually win in a playoff in one of the best Masters ever. Verne Lundquist call of the chip is one of the many great Lundquist calls and one of the most memorable in any event in the 21st Century thus far.
#4 Phil’s leap to glory (2004)
Phil Mickelson has been regarded as the one who could never close out the big one. That narrative would change in 2004 when Phil Mickelson would finally get over the hump by besting Ernie Els in a Masters for the ages. Phil would be tied with Els on 18 but would make a 15 foot putt to win it. Phil’s leap to glory was one of the best moments in Masters history.
#3 Tiger and Earl hug it out (1997)
Tiger Woods was a young 21 year old prodigy who had already won three times on tour heading into the 1997 Masters. What would happen in the 97 Masters would change golf forever. Tiger would finish 18 under par winning by 12 strokes. Tiger would overpower Augusta like no one had ever seen before. Tiger’s hug with his father Earl shortly after sealing the deal was one of the most revered moments in golf history.
#2 Jack gives us one more moment (1986)
Jack Nicklaus was 46 years old and had won 17 majors cementing himself as the golf GOAT. But Jack hadn’t won a major in almost 6 years and was certainly in the twilight of his career. Jack was down by four to Greg Norman (I promise this is the last time I go shark fishing today) going into the final round and didn’t appear to be a serious contender. But Jack would have one more great moment for us shooting a 30 in the back nine to win number 18. Jack’s putt on the 17th hole was one of the most iconic moments in golf history.
#1 The legend has returned (2019)
Tiger Woods win in 2019 was the most iconic sports moment of the 21st Century and the most iconic moment in Masters History. I wrote about Tiger on my Monday article, check it out.