Tiger did something even he’s never done before on a record-breaking day at Augusta
Incredible to think that 24 years after turning pro, Tiger Woods is still experiencing things for the first time. Alex Perry wraps up the talking points from the final day of the Masters
Well, Dustin Johnson went wire to wire at the 2020 Masters thanks to an incredible 20-under-par 268. But you already know that because you’ve read my colleague Dan Murphy’s excellent piece on the making of a multiple major champion. If you haven’t, I’ll wait, but come right back because I’ve got a few bits and bobs you may have missed from the final day at Augusta, including something incredible from Tiger Woods…
The good
It’s been an historic week at Augusta as records tumbled before our eyes.
Yes, Augusta was soft and blah blah blah but let’s not take away from some incredible achievements.
How are these for starters while I look for more?
- DJ became the first golfer to reach 19-under at the Masters
With another birdie on No. 14, Dustin Johnson ties the lowest score ever reached during the Masters Tournament – 19 under par. #themasters pic.twitter.com/y2JM0W2r7R
— The Masters (@TheMasters) November 15, 2020
- DJ became the first golfer to reach 20-under at the Masters
- DJ made the fewest bogeys ever by a Masters champion, with four
- DJ’s run of consecutive Masters rounds under par is now 11, eclipsing Tiger’s previous record of 10
- Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im tied at 15-under – the lowest score ever recorded by a player who didn’t win
- Smith also became the first player in Masters history to card four rounds in the 60s – and he didn’t even win
The bad
The 12th hole at Augusta was where Tiger Woods won the Masters last year. As one by one his rivals for the Green Jacket found the water as they went flag hunting at the infamous par-3, Woods just calmly prodded an 8-iron to the middle of the green and two-putted for par.
Fast forward 19 months and the now 15-time major champion’s experience at Golden Bell couldn’t have been any more different.
This time he went after that traditional Sunday pin – over on the right as you look at it from the tee – and his Bridgestone pitched short and fell back into Rae’s Creek.
From the drop zone he again came up short and again found the water. Another drop and this time he overcooked it and found the bunker at the back of the green.
But the drama wasn’t over there as his first attempt from the sand raced by the flag and into the water.
Another drop, this time in the sand, and he still couldn’t find the putting surface. Two putts from the fringe and, if you haven’t been counting as you go along, it all added up to a 10.
It’s the worst score on a single hole in his professional career.
But how about this for a response? Woods recouped one of the seven dropped shots at the 13th, parred the 14th, then finished with four straight birdies to salvage a 4-over 76.
Box office.
The ugly
Poor old DJ will only be Masters champion for five months – unless he goes back to back, of course. And who would bet against that?
Still, he seems OK with it…
That’s one way of getting [watch brand] a bit of publicity…
Shot of the week
A bit of luck was involved, sure. But just look at this from everyone’s new favourite Australian golfer:
Again from the trees to just a few feet. Birdie for Smith on No. 9. #themasters pic.twitter.com/46GV0FoQwf
— The Masters (@TheMasters) November 15, 2020
Stat of the week
Just to add to the Tiger shenanigans at 12…
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Alex Perry
Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.
