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The Masters 2017: 5 best moments in history

By John Buhler

Apr 3, 2017; Augusta, GA, USA; Rain drops on a umbrella as patrons exit the course, thunderstorms caused play to be suspended during a practice round at The Masters at Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Augusta, GA, USA; Rain drops on a umbrella as patrons exit the course, thunderstorms caused play to be suspended during a practice round at The Masters at Augusta National GC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /
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AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 1987: Masters Champion Larry Mize blasts out of the bunker during the 1987 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April 12th, 1987 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 1987: Masters Champion Larry Mize blasts out of the bunker during the 1987 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April 12th, 1987 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images) /

3. Larry Mize’s chip shot in sudden-death (1987)

It only makes sense that an Augusta native would have one of the greatest moments in the history of The Masters. That guy is Larry Miss and his greatest tournament as a golfer came in Augusta in the 1987 Masters.

As a kid, he used to work the scoreboard at the third hole in Augusta National. Little did he know, his chip shot on 11 in the sudden-death playoff to beat Greg Norman would be the greatest moment of his golfing life.

Mize, Norman and Seve Ballesteros would need to go to sudden death after 72 holes. Ballesteros would be eliminated at the 10th hole with Mize and Norman vying for the Green Jacket on 11. The 11th hole at Augusta National is a par-4. Norman had himself set up for an easy birdie to win The Masters.

Mize’s second shot would miss the green entirely. A birdie seemed impossible and it was going to be very difficult for him to even get to par. While Norman failed to sink the birdie putt, Mize hit a ridiculous 140-shot with a sand wedge to get him the birdie to win The 1987 Masters.

Norman thrice finished second in The Masters, but never won a Green Jacket. This was Mize’s only major victory in his PGA Tour career. Until Watson made that unbelievable hook shot in 2012, Mize’s chip shot was the greatest shot in Masters history.

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