The Masters Tournament is one of golf's most prestigious events, and over the years, we've witnessed some truly legendary performances. From record-breaking finishes to unforgettable moments, here are the top 10 performances in Masters history.
1. Tiger Woods - 1997
Tiger Woods' victory in 1997 remains one of the most dominant performances in golf history. Woods won by an astonishing 12 strokes, finishing with a 72-hole total of 270, a record at the time. His win, at just 21 years old, marked his first of five Masters victories and solidified his place as one of the game's greatest players.
2. Jack Nicklaus - 1965
Jack Nicklaus’ victory in 1965 was remarkable for both the quality of his play and its historical significance. Nicklaus dominated the field, finishing at 17-under par, and his win at the age of 25 made him the youngest player to win the Masters at the time. His victory in 1965 was the start of an incredible career at Augusta, where he would win six times in total.
3. Phil Mickelson - 2010
Phil Mickelson’s 2010 Masters victory was one of his most dramatic and thrilling. He birdied the final hole to secure a three-stroke victory over Lee Westwood. Lefty’s aggressive play throughout the weekend, including a memorable chip-in on the 14th hole during Sunday’s round, cemented this win as one of the best in Masters history.
4. Bubba Watson - 2012
Bubba Watson's performance in 2012 remains one of the most iconic Masters moments. On the second playoff hole against Louis Oosthuizen, Watson hit an incredible hook shot out of the trees to set up a game-winning birdie. The shot, paired with his calm demeanor under pressure, gave him his first Masters victory.
5. Arnold Palmer - 1960
Arnold Palmer’s victory at the 1960 Masters was the first of his two green jackets, and it helped solidify his place as one of the game’s legends. His final-round 65 was a masterclass in aggressive play, setting the stage for future players to adopt his bold approach to Augusta National. Palmer’s 1960 win also signaled the beginning of his fierce rivalry with Jack Nicklaus.
6. Gary Player - 1978
Gary Player’s third Masters win in 1978 was particularly significant as it came at the age of 42. He was the oldest player to win the tournament at the time, and his victory was a demonstration of his incredible consistency and skill. Player’s 1978 win made him the first non-American to win the Masters three times.
7. Jordan Spieth - 2015
Jordan Spieth’s 2015 Masters performance was one of the most dominant in recent memory. He led wire-to-wire and set a Masters scoring record with a total of 270 (-18). His 2015 victory, at the age of 21, was a complete performance, as he seemed to be in control of the tournament from start to finish.
8. Nick Faldo - 1996
Nick Faldo’s victory in 1996 was one of the most dramatic comebacks in Masters history. He came from behind on Sunday, finishing with a 67 to secure a five-stroke win over Greg Norman, who had a six-shot lead heading into the final round. Faldo’s ability to capitalize on Norman’s collapse showed his mental toughness and earned him his third Masters win.
9. Tiger Woods - 2001
Tiger Woods’ 2001 Masters victory was another milestone in his incredible career. It was his third consecutive major victory, completing the "Tiger Slam" as he held all four major championships simultaneously. His win in 2001 was marked by both his dominance and precision, and it was a sign of the greatness to come for Woods during the early 2000s.
10. Sam Snead - 1949
Sam Snead’s victory in 1949 came after years of near misses and solidified his legacy. His Masters win was part of a brilliant career, and the 1949 performance was a testament to his consistency and skill. Snead’s victory was made all the more impressive considering the competitive field at the time, which included the likes of Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson.
These 10 performances are some of the most memorable in Masters history, showcasing everything from record-breaking victories to unforgettable shots under pressure. The Masters Tournament continues to deliver moments that shape the sport, and these players have each left an indelible mark on Augusta National.