Pure Domination – 1997
Tiger Woods’ 1997 record-setting victory. I was and still am a huge Tiger Woods fan. Just that past summer I watched and rewatched on tape Tiger’s 1996 U.S. Amateur victory over Steve Scott. Those two tournaments may still be the two best golf tournaments I’ve ever seen.
Win One for the Oldies – 1986
This is a tie between Jack Nicklaus’ win in 1986 at the age of 46 and Tiger Woods’ 1997 victory. Although I am a huge golf fan, I don’t have the appreciation for Jack Nicklaus’ greatness that others do who saw him play in his prime. Although, without Nicklaus there might not be a Tiger Woods.
Most Depressing – 1996
Greg Norman’s meltdown to Nick Faldo in 1996 was extremely tough to watch. I’m still not sure what happened there. On a much much smaller scale, I’ve lost tournaments down the stretch and been disappointed. I can’t begin to imagine the self-doubt that Norman experienced after that tournament.
It’s those situations where remembering that golf is just a game is both the best and hardest thing to do.
Tear-Jerker – 1995
Ben Crenshaw’s victory in 1995 could also be known as “Chicken Soup for the Golfer’s Soul.” He won that tournament for the late and great teacher Harvey Penick. Penick, who taught Tom Kite and Crenshaw among many other greats, passed away just a week before the 1995 Masters.
If you’ve never read Penick’s Little Red Book or Little Green Book, you’re not a true golf fan.
Clutch Finishing Hole – 1998 & 2004
I was happy for Phil Mickelson when he won for the first time in 2004. It was his first major and has changed him as a player. He earned it, too, with a great birdie putt to win by one over Ernie Els on the final hole. And the unforgettable six-inch vertical victory jump.
Mark O’Meara should get a nod here, too. He birdied 18 on Sunday to win by one, a feat that’s only been done four times in the history of the Masters.