The back nine at Augusta National is legendary in the world of golf. It has witnessed some of the most iconic moments and phenomenal shots in Masters history. In this article, we dive into the rich history of Augusta’s second nine and explore some remarkable highlights that have shaped the tournament.
Crenshaw’s Coronation (1984)
In 1984, Ben Crenshaw finally secured his first Masters win, after coming close several times in the past. He stepped onto the 10th hole in the final round with doubts lingering in his mind. However, Crenshaw silenced those doubts when he sank a jaw-dropping 60-foot birdie putt. This historic shot propelled him to his first green jacket and the start of a legendary Masters career.
Bubba’s Bender (2012)
Bubba Watson’s road to his first Masters victory in 2012 was no ordinary one. During a sudden-death playoff against Louis Oosthuizen, Watson found himself deep in the trees off the 10th tee. With creativity and skill, he executed an incredible hooked shot using a 52-degree wedge. The ball gracefully curved around the tall Georgia pines, settled just 10 feet away from the hole, and secured Watson’s miraculous par. This shot epitomized both his talent and the magic of the Masters.
All Eyes on… Mize? (1987)
Larry Mize, a relatively unknown journeyman, created a memorable chapter in Masters history in 1987. Facing Greg Norman in a sudden-death playoff on the 11th hole, Mize found himself with a seemingly impossible 140-foot chip from far off the green. With a sand wedge in hand, he conjured up a stroke of magic, making it in one graceful movement. Mize’s incredible chip shot secured a walk-off victory and etched his name in Masters folklore.
Faldo’s Fortune (1989)
Nick Faldo’s first Masters win in 1989 was a tale of redemption, courtesy of a missed two-footer by Scott Hoch on the first playoff hole. Given a second chance, Faldo seized the moment on the 11th hole, sinking a remarkable 25-foot putt to secure the victory. The following year, on the same hole, he repeated this sudden-death triumph, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in Masters lore.
Couples’ (Near) Retreat (1992)
Fred Couples’ triumph on the 12th hole in the final round of the 1992 Masters could have taken a disastrous turn. Standing on the tee, holding onto a dwindling lead, Couples faced the daunting challenge of navigating the par-3 hole, known for its treacherous Rae’s Creek. His tee shot fell short, rolling down the steep slope toward the water’s edge. In a stroke of good fortune, the ball miraculously stopped just 12 inches short of the creek’s unforgiving grasp. Couples calmly chipped onto the green, saving par and securing his much-deserved Masters victory.
The 12th. Man! (2016)
Though the 12th hole at Augusta National has witnessed many heroic moments, it was also the site of Jordan Spieth’s unforgettable collapse in 2016. Spieth, on the verge of becoming the sole back-to-back Masters champion, found himself in the water not once, but twice, during the final round. From a commanding five-shot lead, he plummeted, eventually finishing three shots behind the winner. Spieth’s emotional downfall on the 12th hole left a lasting impact on both him and the golfing world.
Jordan Spieth’s back-nine collapse at Augusta National in 2016 remains seared into the memories of Masters fans. Getty Images
Lefty’s Great Escape (2010)
In 2010, Phil Mickelson navigated a precarious situation on the 13th hole. With a cameraman’s report of Tiger Woods surging ahead, Mickelson found himself with a difficult lie in the pine straw, surrounded by trees. A more cautious approach might have been to simply lay up. However, Mickelson, known for his fearless play, clashed with conventional wisdom and played an incredible slashed shot that traveled three feet from the pin. Though he two-putted for birdie, the shot showcased Mickelson’s audacity and ultimately secured him the legendary green jacket.
Singular Sarazen (1935)
Gene Sarazen’s double eagle on the par-5 15th hole during the 1935 Masters created a seismic moment in golf history. Even without television coverage or a large gallery, Sarazen’s remarkable shot resonated. His approach shot landed near the hole and dropped in for an albatross, propelling him to victory. This triumph, his seventh major title, marked a pivotal moment in his career and cemented his place in Masters history.
Just… Jack (1986)
Jack Nicklaus’ spellbinding victory at the 1986 Masters is often regarded as one of the greatest achievements in sports history. The precise moment that defined this magical comeback is a subject of debate among fans. Was it his triumphant birdie on the 13th hole or his eagle attempt on the challenging par-5 15th? On the 15th, Nicklaus contemplated the distance and asked his son and caddie, Jack Jr., about a three-iron’s potential. The response was optimistic, and Nicklaus stuck his approach shot within eagle range. Ultimately, Nicklaus’ remarkable performance led him to a record sixth green jacket.
Intoxicating Arnold Palmer (1962)
The back-nine Sunday showdown between Arnold Palmer and Gary Player in 1962 showcased the intoxicating spirit of the King. On the par-3 16th hole, Player executed a magnificent approach, landing his ball just 10 feet from the cup. Palmer, faced with an even more challenging shot from the fringe, approximately 45 feet away, managed to chip his ball in for an astonishing birdie. Palmer’s audacity and skill overturned the odds, turning the tide in his favor and securing his third Masters victory.
Nicklaus, Rolling (1975)
Although Jack Nicklaus is often celebrated for his memorable shots in 1986, his incredible 40-foot putt on the 16th hole during the final round of the 1975 Masters deserves equal recognition. Playing alongside formidable competitors Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller, Nicklaus drained the long putt with sheer precision. This awe-inspiring putt left esteemed golf journalist Henry Longhurst exclaiming that it was the greatest he had ever witnessed. Nicklaus’ victory in 1975 marked his fifth triumph at Augusta National.
“Oh, Wow!” (2005)
Verne Lundquist’s iconic call perfectly captured the incredible shot that Tiger Woods executed in 2005. Facing a delicate chip shot, Woods launched the ball, and with perfect precision, it slowly rolled into the hole. This awe-inspiring moment created a lasting image and further solidified Woods’ status as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Lyle Loves It (1988)
In the final round of the 1988 Masters, Sandy Lyle found himself in a seemingly hopeless situation on the 18th hole. His ball was nestled in pine straw, surrounded by a vast expanse of rough terrain. Despite the odds being against him, Lyle refused to accept defeat. He successfully executed an astonishing 7-iron shot from 150 yards out, landing his ball just 10 feet away from the cup. Lyle’s determination and unrivaled skill secured him a remarkable victory that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Masters history.
This glimpse into the historic moments on Augusta National’s second nine serves as a testament to the greatness and allure of the Masters. These shots and the champions who executed them have earned their place in the annals of golfing legend. The tradition of excellence and excitement continues to thrive on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.
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