The Masters 2022: The 10 greatest shots in Masters history

Matt CooperMatt Cooper9 April 2022
Tiger Woods puts on the Green Jacket after winning the 2005 Masters

Tiger Woods puts on the Green Jacket after winning the 2005 Masters

Our countdown of the finest blows ever witnessed at Augusta National.

Augusta National is a special golf course and the Masters is a special tournament.
The combination creates golfing magic and here's our view of the 10 greatest shots played.

10. Louis Oosthuizen plays billiards for a hole-in-one in 2016

A ludicrous shot and frankly not even his best at the Masters (in 2012 he set up his tilt at the title with an albatross-2 at the second in the final round), but worth revisiting for the pure absurdity of it.

9. Gene Sarazen's holed 4-wood for an albatross-2 at the 15th in 1935.

They called it the "Shot heard around the world" and it helped build Masters mythology.

8. Larry Mize wins the 1987 tournament by chipping-in during a play-off against Greg Norman.

And then he went for a little dance.

7. Sandy Lyle's fairway bunker shot at the 72nd hole in 1988.

Alas, it is difficult to find footage with the Peter Alliss commentary: "It could spin. It. Could. Spin ..."

6. Jack Nicklaus' birdie at the 16th in 1975.

A great putt, a sensational reminder of old putting techniques, a terrible view (blocked by a thrilled caddie), and a wonderful response from Nicklaus who wanders off for a delighted jog.

5. Nick Faldo's 2-iron approach to the 13th when chasing down Greg Norman in 1996.

Ball above his feet, enormous pressure, high tariff, but the opportunity to push the blade a little deeper into his opponent. Ice cool Faldo did just that.

4. Jack Nicklaus' victory-clinching final birdie in 1986.

In truth, there were a series of great shots on that back nine, but this one lives in the memory. A great camera angle, ecstatic galleries, a great commentary, and a wonderful response from the man himself.

3. Phil Mickelson from the pine straw on the 13th in 2010.

Look at his eyes. He fancied this one straightaway.

2. Bubba Watson's brilliant snap-hook wedge to win the 2012 play-off.

They say a draw works at Augusta, but for left-handers it works the other way. Not on this occasion.

1. Tiger Woods pitch-in at the 16th in 2005.

"In your life?"

READ MORE: The Masters A to Z: From Anyone can win it to (Fuzzy) Zoeller via Eerie music and Jim Nantz