We are just months away from the start of the 2021 US Masters. It is the first Major Championship on the golf calendar and the one fans of the sport look forward to the most.
Augusta National Golf Club is a beautiful course. The tournament is also steeped in tradition, with the winner receiving the Green Jacket and invited to future events such as the Champions Dinner.
Here is a look back through the US Masters at some memorable moments the tournament has thrown up over the years.
Win Number Six For Jack (1986)
In 1986 Jack Nicklaus became the oldest winner of the Masters at the age of 46. This success was the last of his 18 Major Championships. The American reminded golf fans just how talented he was with another masterclass at Augusta.
The image of Nicklaus making his 18-foot birdie at the 17th hole and then raising his putt in the air has become iconic. It was one of six birdies on the final 10 holes on the Sunday. He also holed an eagle in his charge towards the title.
Nicklaus played with his son, Jackie, as his caddie and the pair were deep in discussion on the 17th hole before The Golden Bear found the hole. Playing alongside his son made the win even more special for the legend of the sport.
Tiger Woods’ Chip Shot (2005)
When it comes to incredible shots at Augusta, it is hard to look beyond Tiger Woods’ chip shot at the 16th hole in 2005. The former world number one was in a spot of bother in the rough just off the green. He played a fantastic chip shot to get the ball rolling towards the hole.
This particular shot was like watching theatre. The ball teased the crowd, stopping just on the edge of the hole before finally dropping in. The crowd erupted around the green and Woods, normally reserved, gave off a huge fist pump before high-fiving his caddie, Steve Williams. It was a big moment in his round before going on to prevail for a fourth win at the time.
Woods could have made this list for a number of reasons. His maiden success in 1997 was spectacular as he blew the field away by nine strokes. Who can also forget his comeback win in 2019 when many thought his best days were well beyond him.
The 15-time Major winner may not be done just yet at Augusta, He is 50/1 in the golf betting to prevail in 2021. Even if he does add to his Major tally, it is this shot that will be played back for many years to come.
Greg Norman’s Choke (1996)
Embed from Getty ImagesAustralian Greg Norman was always very popular at the Masters. Unfortunately for the Great White Shark, he was second on three occasions but never actually won a Green Jacket.
One of his most difficult rounds to watch came in 1996 in the final round of the tournament. He had a six-shot lead going into the Sunday where many thought he was going to finally break his maiden in Georgia.
Norman found a lot of trouble on the course and eventually finished six shots off the winner, Nick Faldo. It wasn’t to be for the crowd favourite at Augusta, but he did have a great career, with Major glory coming in the Open Championship.
There are sure to be many more great Masters moments in the future. The fantastic golf tournament is back in April for the 85th edition.
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