The three best Masters Sunday performances of this century
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While all four days of the Masters Tournament are significant in their own right, there’s arguably no greater test of resolve in all of world sport than a Sunday at Augusta. The theatre that surrounds a Masters Sunday is unparalleled, and for many golfers past and present, it oftentimes acts as the defining moment of their career.
With that in mind, read on as we take a look at four of the best Masters Sunday performances fans and pundits have been fortunate enough to witness this century.
Before we do that however, for those closely tuning into this month’s tournament who would like to place a bet, it’s reigning champion Scottie Scheffler who is the favourite at 7/1 in the Masters odds 2023 markets at the time of writing.
Phil Mickelson – 2004
When Ernie Els made eagles on the par-5 8th and 13th, it appeared as though Phil Mickelson’s chance at winning his maiden Masters title was going up in flames. However, in what is to this day one of the greatest displays a golfer has produced on a Sunday at Augusta, Mickelson lit up the back nine by birdieing five of his final nine holes which included one of the most memorable putts in Masters history.
Needing to convert on an 18-foot putt to secure the victory on the 18th, Mickelson curled it beautifully from right to left to sink it and finish 9-under – and in doing so – defeated Ernie Els by a shot to secure his first Green Jacket.
Tiger Woods – 2005
There’s no name more synonymous with the US Masters than Tiger Woods. The five-time winner has provided us with multiple Augusta Sundays to remember – one of which was his incredible performance in 2005.
With the second-placed Chris DiMarco hot on his heels, Woods needed something special to distance himself from his countryman who was playing some of the best golf of his career. And it was on the 16th where Woods produced yet another one of his signature shots, chipping a soft pitch from below the green that was positioned 20 feet from the hole before slowly making its way towards the cup and in.
That provided Woods with a two-shot buffer of DiMarco, however, surprisingly, Woods’ poor showings on the 17th and 18th allowed his opponent back into the contest and forced a playoff. Woods would display all of his talent and resolve in the playoff, defeating DiMarco to pick up his fourth Green Jacket.
Adam Scott – 2013
In what has become one of the most iconic moments to ever take place at a Masters Tournament, Adam Scott’s 12-foot putt for birdie will forever be remembered as one of the most clutch shots in professional golf history.
There was a lot of work for Scott to do on the final day prior to that moment however, as he emerged from the chasing pack to enter into a tie heading into the final hole. Scott would ultimately birdie the final hole, as would joint-leader Angel Cabrera, forcing the pair into a playoff.
It was in the playoff that Scott would go on to bury the legendary putt and upset the golf betting markets en route to his maiden Masters title, becoming the first Australian to achieve the feat.
It was a legacy-defining moment for Scott, who, even if he were not to challenge for another major again in his career, will always be remembered for snatching an unlikely victory on the famed Sunday at Augusta.