8 of the Most Memorable Moments from Masters History

Ever since 1934, golfers from around the world have attempted to get their game sharp enough to make it on the fairway at Augusta National Golf Club. While the exclusivity, traditions, and prestige of the tournament all make it what it is today, we believe that the history of the Masters is really what gives it the untouchable significance that it continues to retain.

To celebrate the 2025 edition of one of the most legendary golf tournaments in existence, we take a look at eight of the most memorable moments in Masters history.

Lee Elder Breaks the Color Barrier (1975)

After Charlie Sifford but before Tiger Woods, it was Lee Elder from Dallas, Texas who helped break down racial barriers in professional golf. Growing up in a highly segregated Southern city and losing his parents at the age of 12, the odds were stacked against a young Lee Elder. Forced to sneak onto golf courses to get his game right, the guy simply couldn’t give up and eventually found solace in the city of LA where he got access to courses as a caddy. After winning over 18 tournaments in the all-black golf league (UGA), playing several unofficial high-stake games, and swinging his way through a grueling experience at Q-School, Elder punched his ticket for the PGA. Seven years later, Elder would qualify for the Masters and although he didn’t win, he made history as the first black golfer to compete in the tournament. 

Jack Nicklaus’ Miracle (1986)

“He’s too old. He doesn’t have the nerves anymore.” These were the famous last words by CBS broadcaster Ben Wright, right before Jack Nicklaus came back from behind and won the 1986 Masters at the age of 46. Going into the final round, Nicklaus trailed the leaders by four points (Ballestros, Norman, & Kite). While the front nine was uneventful, it was the back nine where Nicklaus showed how much of a veteran he really was. Steady and consistent play eventually brought Nicklaus to the 17th hole where he executed a perfect chip shot that gave him a 1-shot lead over Tom Kite. Cool as a cucumber in a clubhouse cocktail, Nicklaus would step up to the 18th hole and make a par that earned him his sixth and final green jacket.

Larry Mize Chips It In (1987)

If you love chip shots, you’re going to love Larry Mize. The year was 1987 and Larry Mize and Greg Norman were facing off in a sudden-deah playoff round. On the 11th hole, Mize goes wide right and finds himself in a tight lie with very little green to work with. Meanwhile, Norman had hit the green and teed himself up for an easy two-putt for par. Harnessing all the magic he could muster, Mize chipped in for a birdie with a miraculous bounce and roll. Norman would miss his putt and Larry Mize would win his first and only green jacket.

Greg Norman Chokes (1996)

As great has he was, Greg Norman unfortunately takes L after L in our list of the most memorable moments in Masters history. In 1996, Norman was ranked #1 in the world and had won two Open Championships, but had a reputation for bad luck in the Masters. During the tournament that year, he shot a brilliant 63 in the first round and it finally looked like he was going to get his green jacket. But Norman’s long and short game just weren’t dialed in and he ended up in the water and trees on multiple occasions. Faldo would prove consistent and go on to win it by five strokes.

Tiger’s Record-breaking Win (1997)

Arriving on the scene in 1996 with a massive splash, Tiger Woods started his career on the PGA tour with two massive wins. By the time the 1997 Masters came around, all eyes were on him to see if he could live up to the hype. Battling it out against legends like Tom Kite and Greg Norman, Woods would put up impressive numbers, going 66, 65, and 69. By the end of the third round, Woods was up by 9 strokes and would continue to dominate well into the final. After confidently sinking his final putt for a score of 18-under-par 270, Woods claimed his first Masters victory, making history as both the youngest player to win the tournament and the first Black golfer to do so. On top of that, he set a record for the largest margin of victory, winning by an astounding 12 strokes. 

Phil Mickelson’s First Major (2004)

After 11 appearances and several top-five finishes, Phil Mickelson was more than ready to claim his first green jacket heading into the 2004 Masters. But the competition was tough with players like Chris DiMarco, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Vijay Singh all intent on taking it for themselves. For almost the entirety of the tournament, DiMarco would hold the lead with clean drives and an untouchable short game that no one could match. But a crucial birdie on the final hole would bring Mickelson to a tie with DiMarco that eventually led them into a playoff. Mickelson, AKA ‘Lefty,’ would go on to drain a 7-foot putt on the 18th hole, ending his reputation as one of the best players never to have won a major.

Tiger’s Comeback (2019)

A cheating scandal, a DUI, injuries, and a deteriorating game pretty much sums up Tiger Woods' career from 2009 to 2017. Things were not looking good, a stark contrast from the years prior during which he dominated with 14 major championships. Realizing he needed to get it together, Tiger was able to turn things around following his arrest and really started showing up to play in 2018. By the time the 2019 masters came around, Tiger reached the pinnacle of his miraculous comeback after a dramatic 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate, which he won by only one stroke. 

Hideki Matsuyama Becomes First Japanese Male Golfer to Win a Major (2021)

While golf had been already been established in Japan, it wasn’t until after World War II that the game began to spread rapidly across the country. Due to strong economic growth and the success of Japanese players like Isao Aoki and Jumbo Ozaki, golf grew even more, influencing many of the country’s youth - such as Hideki Matsuyama. Making a name for himself on the Japan Golf Tour, Matsuyama landed on the PGA scene with flying colors. Entering the 2017 Masters as a favorite, the 25-year-old was undeniable in his performance, making a dramatic charge up the leaderboard in the final round with a back-nine birdie streak. The impressive win made Hideki Matsuyama the first Japanese male golfer to win a major.