10 Unforgettable Masters Moments That Shaped Golf History
The Masters has delivered some of golf’s most unforgettable moments—a place where legends are made, hearts are broken, and history is written beneath the blooming azaleas of Augusta National.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The Masters Tournament is golf’s most legendary stage, where such iconic moments have defined the very essence of the game. From Tiger Woods’ record-breaking win in 1997 to Jack Nicklaus’ ageless comeback in 1986, Augusta has hosted drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable brilliance. These defining Masters moments are not just wins—they’re pages in a legacy of greatness.
1. Tiger Woods’ Historic Victory (1997)
Image from Britannica
Tiger Woods, then only 21, won his first Masters by a historic 12 strokes, signaling a new golf era. His score of 270 (-18) shocked the world and broke all of Augusta National’s then-existing scoring records. It marked the first major victory by a Black golfer at the Masters, giving the game an irrevocable cultural shift.
2. Jack Nicklaus’ Resurgence at Age 46 (1986)
Image from Britannica
At 46, Jack Nicklaus won the Masters in record fashion as the oldest champion in history, claiming his sixth green jacket. Roaring back with a closing round 65, with birdies on 13, 15, 16, and an eagle on 15, he took command in thrilling style. The Golden Bear’s win is one of the greatest comeback victories in sports history.
3. Bubba Watson’s Hook Shot in a Playoff (2012)
Image from Britannica
In instant death from Louis Oosthuizen, Bubba Watson pulled off a miraculous 40-yard hook with a wedge from deep in the woods on the 10th. The ball hooked around the trees and landed safely on the green, leaving a two-putt par for victory. A flash of pure creativity and courage, it inscribed Bubba’s name in Masters history.
4. Phil Mickelson’s Leap and First Major (2004)
Image from LIV Golf
Dubbed the greatest golfer without a major, Phil Mickelson finally broke through at Augusta with a dramatic birdie on the 18th hole. His celebratory jump after the winning putt became an instant icon. Lefty’s victory was cheered by fans who waited years to see him win a major championship.
5. Greg Norman’s Collapse (1996)
Image from The Open
Tying for the third-round lead and having a six-shot advantage at the start of Sunday, Greg Norman experienced an incredible meltdown with a closing-round 78. Nick Faldo carded an incredible 67 to take it by five, comforting Norman on the 18th green. It’s rated as one of the most agonizing meltdowns in the history of the game.
6. Jordan Spieth’s Quadruple Bogey (2016)
Image from Golf
Having dominated much of the tournament and leading by five shots to the back nine on Sunday, Jordan Spieth notoriously quadruple-bogeyed the par-3 12th. Two water balls dashed his hopes, and Danny Willett overtook him to claim victory. Spieth’s collapse amazed television viewers and demonstrated how quickly Augusta can turn.
7. Larry Mize’s Miracle Chip-In (1987)
Image from Wikipedia
In a playoff with Greg Norman, Augusta native Larry Mize made one of the most unlikely shots in Masters history. From well off the green on the 11th hole, he chipped in for a birdie to capture the championship. The underdog moment again left Norman crestfallen.
8. Tiger’s Fifth Green Jacket (2019)
Image from Simple Wikipedia
After 11 years without a major and countless injuries, Tiger Woods made an astonishing comeback by winning the 2019 Masters. Roars thundered through Augusta as Tiger outlasted younger challengers with strategic, vintage golf. The emotional embrace with his children was a repeat of his iconic hug with his father in 1997.
9. Seve Ballesteros’ Flair and First European Win (1980)
Image from Sky Sports
At the tender age of 23, Seve Ballesteros became the youngest Masters champion and the first one from Europe to claim the title. With his bold game and charm, he attracted fans and led by up to 10 strokes on the final day. Seve’s victory opened the gates for international domination in Augusta.
10. Adam Scott Breaks Australia’s Drought (2013)
Image from PGA Tour
After decades of near-misses by Australian golfers, Adam Scott won the Masters, the first Aussie to do so. He sank a crucial birdie on 18 and beat Ángel Cabrera in a playoff with another sensational putt. His “C’mon Aussie!” moment in the rain was a memory of national pride.