When it comes to the Masters tournament at Augusta National, there have been numerous shots that have left their mark in golf history. Some shots are etched in our memories for their role in historic victories, while others hold significance for pivotal moments in the evolution of the Masters. Join us as we take a closer look at 10 of the most famous shots in the illustrious history of this storied event, and explore the clubs that were used to hit them.
10 Famous Masters Shots and the Clubs Used
Lee Elder’s Historical Tee Shot
Lee Elder made history as the first Black golfer to play in the Masters. As he stepped up to hit his first tee shot, he wielded a custom persimmon driver. Though the exact model remains a mystery, it is highly likely that he used a custom Wilson or MacGregor personal model.
Tiger Woods’ Unforgettable Chip-in
One shot that instantly comes to mind for many sports enthusiasts is Tiger Woods’ iconic chip-in on the 16th hole at the 2005 Masters. To execute this shot, Tiger opted for a Nike wedge carefully crafted by the skilled hands of Mike Taylor. The precision of the shot allowed the ball to come to a halt in the perfect spot, before gravity took over and guided it gently into the cup.
Phil Mickelson’s Two-Driver Masterstroke
Leading up to the 2006 Masters, Phil Mickelson employed a unique strategy. He relied on a two-driver setup, featuring a longer driver (46″) with heel bias internal weighting to aid in hitting a draw, and a shorter driver (45″) with fade bias weighting for fading shots. Both drivers were Callaway FT-3s. Phil’s innovative approach paid off as he clinched a remarkable 13-shot victory at the Bell South Classic prior to the Masters and then went on to win the prestigious tournament itself.
Jack Nicklaus’ Majestic 6-Iron
In the annals of major championship history, Jack Nicklaus’ triumph in the 1986 Masters stands tall. At age 46, accompanied by his son Jackie as his caddie, Nicklaus secured victory amidst a formidable field of golfing greats. While many golf enthusiasts often associate the oversized MacGregor Response putter with his win, it was Nicklaus’ Macgregor Nicklaus blade 6-iron that made a lasting impact. As the ball soared through the air, his son Jackie confidently exclaimed, “Be right!” Nicklaus swiftly picked up his tee, fully aware that his shot was destined for greatness.
Louis Oosthuizen’s Albatross with a Non-Putter
Louis Oosthuizen etched his name in the history books during the 2012 Masters. During the final round, he accomplished an incredible feat by making an albatross on the second hole. To achieve this remarkable shot, Oosthuizen relied on a Ping S56 4-iron, a club which has its place of honor in Ping’s gold putter vault. His achievement not only left a mark in the Masters’ lore but also provided a turning point for professional golf and the PGA Tour.
Tiger Woods’ Groundbreaking Win
Tiger Woods solidified his place in golf history by winning the 1997 Masters. This victory was a game-changer for the sport, and what made it even more exceptional from an equipment perspective was the fact that Woods claimed the win using a Scotty Cameron Newport Tei3 putter. However, as time progressed, he transitioned to the ever-popular Newport 2 putter, which has since become synonymous with his storied career.
Rory McIlroy’s Back Nine Struggle
For Rory McIlroy, the 2011 Masters took an unexpected turn on the back nine. Playing alongside Angel Cabrera, McIlroy found himself in a precarious situation as he teed off on the 10th hole. His low, screaming hook landed among the cabins to the left, resulting in triple-bogey 7. This turn of events took him out of contention. McIlroy’s unforgettable tee shot was struck using a Titleist 910D3 driver.
Gene Sarazen’s Shot Heard Around the World
Gene Sarazen created golfing history with his astonishing second shot on the 15th hole at Augusta National during the 1935 Masters. Amidst a three-shot deficit, Sarazen holed out from 235 yards away, resulting in an albatross. The shot allowed him to tie for the lead and eventually clinch the victory in the ensuing playoff. As Sarazen debated club selection with his caddie, he ultimately trusted his Wilson personal persimmon model to deliver the unforgettable shot.
Larry Mize’s Playoff Triumph
Larry Mize secured his place in Masters lore with his unforgettable chip-in during a playoff in 1987. To execute this pivotal shot, Mize relied on a Jack Nicklaus Muirfield sand wedge. Symbolically, his memorable chip-in seemed destined, as it was Jack Nicklaus himself who helped Mize slip into the green jacket, having won the tournament the previous year in 1986.
Bubba Watson’s Unconventional Victory
Bubba Watson, renowned for his unconventional approach to the game, astounded fans with his shot on the 10th hole during the Masters playoff in 2012. With his Ping Tour-W wedge in hand, Watson managed to hit a massive sweeping hook that landed within 15 feet of the hole. This brilliant setup allowed him to secure a routine two-putt par and emerge victorious in the playoff. Even today, walking down the 10th hole at Augusta National, one can’t help but marvel at Watson’s incredible shot with his trusty Titleist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are some famous shots from the Masters?
Some famous shots from the Masters include Tiger Woods’ chip-in on the 16th hole in 2005 and Jack Nicklaus’ 6-iron shot on the 16th hole in 1986.
What clubs were used in famous Masters shots?
The clubs used in famous Masters shots vary. Some notable examples include Lee Elder’s custom persimmon driver, Tiger Woods’ Nike wedge, and Larry Mize’s Jack Nicklaus Muirfield sand wedge.
What is the significance of Louis Oosthuizen’s albatross?
Louis Oosthuizen’s albatross on the second hole of the 2012 Masters marked a historic achievement as it is a rare occurrence in golf. This shot propelled Oosthuizen into the spotlight and contributed to the transformation of professional golf and the PGA Tour.
Which putter did Tiger Woods use to win the Masters in 1997 and beyond?
Tiger Woods won the 1997 Masters using a Scotty Cameron Newport Tei3 putter. However, he later switched to the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter, which became synonymous with his success in subsequent years.
How did Bubba Watson win the Masters with an unconventional shot?
Bubba Watson won the Masters by hitting an incredible sweeping hook shot on the 10th hole during the playoff in 2012. Using his Ping Tour-W wedge, he amazed spectators with his ability to navigate the challenging course at Augusta National.
Leave a Reply