Unforgettable Shots at The Masters

The Masters Tournament has witnessed some of the most incredible golf shots in history. Since its inception in 1934, the tournament has been the stage for some of golf's most iconic moments. The tournament's unique blend of tradition, beauty, and competitive intensity creates an environment where players can achieve greatness.

Over the years, the Masters has witnessed a plethora of incredible shots that have captivated audiences worldwide. These moments are not just about skill; they often involve a mix of strategy, courage, and a bit of luck. We delve into six of the most remarkable shots in Masters history, highlighting the skill, drama, and impact they had on the tournament.

Gene Sarazen's "Shot Heard 'Round the World" during the 1935 Masters Tournament remains one of the most iconic moments in golf history. This legendary shot occurred on the par-5 15th hole, known as "Firethorn," where Sarazen holed a 235-yard 4-wood for a double eagle—one of the rarest feats in golf. At the time, Sarazen was trailing clubhouse leader Craig Wood by three strokes late in the final round. His miraculous shot not only tied Wood but also electrified the tournament, forcing a 36-hole playoff that Sarazen would go on to win by five strokes.

The dramatic nature of this shot captivated spectators and elevated the prestige of the Masters, which was only in its second year. Witnessed by just a handful of people near the green, including co-founder Bobby Jones, Sarazen's ball cleared the water hazard, landed on the far bank, and rolled into the cup. The news spread quickly, though many initially doubted its authenticity due to its sheer improbability. Dubbed "The Shot Heard 'Round the World," it gave the Masters its first signature moment and forever linked Sarazen's name with Augusta National's storied history.

Larry Mize's chip-in during the 1987 Masters Tournament is one of golf's most iconic moments. In a sudden-death playoff against Greg Norman and Seve Ballesteros, Mize found himself competing against Norman on the 11th hole after Ballesteros was eliminated. Mize's approach landed about 140 feet from the hole, well to the right of the green, while Norman played conservatively to the right fringe.

Under pressure, Mize decided to play an aggressive chip shot using a 56-degree wedge. The ball bounced twice up the grassy bank and once on the putting surface before rolling directly into the hole for a birdie. This improbable shot stunned Norman, securing Mize's victory. The moment was so dramatic that it left CBS commentators speechless for 41 seconds. Mize's win marked a historic moment for Augusta, as he became the first champion from the city itself. His victory capped off a thrilling tournament where nine players were within a shot of the lead with nine holes to play.

Sandy Lyle's bunker shot on the 18th hole during the 1988 Masters Tournament is one of the most memorable moments in golf history. After hitting his 1-iron tee shot into the left fairway bunker, Lyle faced a challenging situation. With the pressure of being tied for the lead, he pulled out a 7-iron and hit a remarkable shot that landed on the green, rolling up the slope and coming to rest about 10 feet from the hole. Lyle then sank the birdie putt to win the tournament by a single stroke over Mark Calcavecchia, becoming the first British winner of the Masters.

This shot was not only crucial for Lyle's victory but also marked a turning point in British golf, as it began a streak of British winners at the Masters, including Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam in subsequent years. Lyle's ability to execute such a precise shot under intense pressure has made it an enduring highlight of Masters history, often referenced by golf commentators and remembered fondly by fans.

Tiger Woods' chip shot on the 16th hole during the 2005 Masters Tournament is one of the most iconic moments in golf history. With a one-stroke lead over Chris DiMarco, Woods faced a challenging situation after his tee shot landed in the rough left of the green. The conditions were difficult, with thick second-cut grass behind the ball, making it nearly impossible to get the ball close to the hole without risking it rolling off into the bunker.

Woods decided to take a risk and hit a lofted shot, aiming for a precise spot on the slope. The ball landed on the hill and slowly rolled down toward the hole, pausing on the edge before dropping in for a birdie. This shot was so dramatic that it left CBS commentator Verne Lundquist exclaiming, "OH, WOW! In your life have you seen anything like that?".

The chip not only secured a crucial birdie but also helped Woods maintain his lead, eventually winning the tournament in a playoff against DiMarco. This moment cemented Woods' status as one of the greatest golfers of all time and remains one of the most memorable shots in Masters history.

Phil Mickelson's shot from the pine straw on the 13th hole during the 2010 Masters is one of golf's most iconic moments. Leading by one stroke, Mickelson's tee shot landed in the pine straw behind two trees. He faced a 207-yard approach over Rae's Creek and decided to take an aggressive line rather than lay up.

Using a 6-iron, Mickelson threaded his shot through a narrow gap between the trees, clearing the water hazard and landing the ball just 4 feet from the pin. The shot was incredibly risky, with Mickelson's caddie noting that the gap was "much smaller than it looked like on TV". Mickelson famously told his caddie, "If I'm going to win this tournament, I'm going to have to hit a really good shot under a lot of pressure. I'm going to do it right now".

Although Mickelson missed the short eagle putt, he made the birdie, which helped secure his third Masters victory. This shot showcased Mickelson's bold playing style and ability to execute under pressure. The moment was particularly poignant as it came during a challenging time for Mickelson's family, with his wife Amy battling cancer, adding emotional weight to the achievement.

Bubba Watson's hook shot during the 2012 Masters Tournament is one of the most memorable moments in golf history. In a sudden-death playoff against Louis Oosthuizen, Watson found himself in trouble after hooking his tee shot on the second playoff hole, the 10th, deep into the right trees. With a seemingly impossible shot ahead, Watson assessed the situation and spotted a narrow gap between the trees and a TV tower, which he used to his advantage.

Watson hit a 52-degree gap wedge, aiming for a 134-yard carry to the front of the green. He executed a dramatic hook, turning the ball nearly 40 yards to the left, landing it about 10 feet from the hole. This incredible shot set up a par opportunity, while Oosthuizen made a bogey, allowing Watson to secure his first Masters victory with a two-putt from 10 feet.

The emotional victory was marked by tears as Watson hugged his caddie and shared a touching moment with his mother. This shot epitomized Watson's unorthodox style, known as "Bubba Golf," and remains one of the most iconic moments in Masters history.

Handicap: 11
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