The 2025 Masters Tournament is just around the corner. It takes place from 10-13 April at Augusta National Golf Club.
Golf’s best players will compete for the green jacket. Fans expect a thrilling tournament with Scottie Scheffler (5.01), Rory McIlroy (7.49) and Jon Rahm (14.94) among the top contenders.
Tiger Woods Record-Breaking Win (1997)
When 21-year-old Tiger Woods arrived at Augusta in 1997, few expected the dominance he was about to display. After a slow start, Woods took control of the tournament with a second-round 66. He never looked back. He won by an astonishing 12 strokes, finishing at 18-under-par. Both marks were records at the time, though his four-day tournament score of 270 was finally beaten by Dustin Johnson in 2020.
His performance signalled the arrival of a new era in golf. More importantly, Woods became the first golfer of colour to win the Masters, breaking down racial barriers. This victory changed golf forever and helped inspire a new generation of players.
Bubba Watson Edges Louis Oosthuizen (2012)
The 2012 Masters produced one of the most remarkable shots in tournament history. Bubba Watson faced South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen in a sudden-death playoff. After pulling his drive into the trees on the 10th hole, he seemed to be in serious trouble.
However, with his trademark creativity, he pulled off a stunning hook shot with a gap wedge. The ball curved nearly 40 yards in the air and landed on the green. He two-putted for par, securing his first Masters title. This moment showcased the unpredictable drama that makes Augusta National so special.
Phil Mickelson’s First Major Victory (2004)
Before 2004, Phil Mickelson was often labelled as the best player never to win a major. That changed on 11 April when he finally broke through at Augusta. His final-round duel with South African Ernie Els was gripping, with both players trading birdies down the stretch.
The defining moment came on the 18th green when Mickelson drained an 18-foot birdie putt. He won by a single stroke. His leap of celebration became one of the most iconic images in golf. It was the start of a new era for Mickelson, who went on to win multiple major titles. However, his first green jacket remains his most significant triumph.
Jack Nicklaus’ Sixth Green Jacket (1986)
At 46 years old, Jack Nicklaus was considered past his prime heading into the 1986 Masters. But the Golden Bear proved doubters wrong with a back-nine charge for the ages. He shot a final-round 65, including a back-nine 30, to complete one of the greatest comebacks in golf history.
His birdie on the 17th hole, accompanied by his son Jackie’s iconic fist pump as his caddie, remains one of the tournament’s most emotional moments. When Nicklaus rolled in his final putt on 18, the Augusta crowd erupted. This victory cemented his legacy. No player has won more Masters titles. His 1986 triumph remains one of the sport’s defining moments.
Dustin Johnson’s Dominant Performance (2020)
The 2020 Masters was historic for several reasons. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was played in November for the first time. Dustin Johnson took full advantage of the softer course conditions, delivering a record-breaking performance. He finished with a score of 20-under-par, the lowest in Masters tournament history.
His consistency and composure were unmatched as he won by five strokes. Johnson’s victory cemented his place among the game’s greats. It was a dominant display that highlighted his ability to perform under pressure at Augusta National.
Tiger Woods Emotional Comeback (2019)
If Woods’ first Masters tournament win was groundbreaking, his 2019 victory was even more extraordinary. After years of injuries, surgeries and personal struggles, few believed he could win a major again. But Woods defied the odds, navigating Augusta with masterful precision to claim his fifth green jacket at 43. Unlike his early wins, this was a battle of experience and resilience.
When Francesco Molinari faltered on the back nine, Woods seized the moment. He made crucial birdies at the 13th, 15th and 16th holes. As he tapped in for bogey on the 18th to secure victory, the roar from the crowd was deafening. His emotional embrace with his children mirrored the iconic scene of him hugging his father in 1997. This was a full-circle moment that transcended golf. Many regard it as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.
The Masters’ Lasting Legacy
The Masters tournament remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf. Each year, it delivers unforgettable moments and legendary champions. The drama of Augusta National is unmatched. Fans and bettors alike eagerly await the 2025 edition. Many will engage in online sports betting, analysing past trends to predict the next champion. Whether this year’s event produces another legendary winner or a first-time champion, the magic of Augusta will be on full display.
