The Top 5 Best Masters Finishes in History

The Masters Tournament, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, is one of the most prestigious events in professional golf. Since its inception in 1934, the tournament has produced some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments, with dramatic finishes that have etched names into golfing lore. From improbable comebacks to clutch performances under pressure, the Masters has a knack for delivering spectacle. Here, we explore the top five best Masters finishes in history, ranked for their excitement, historical significance, and sheer brilliance.

1987: Larry Mize’s Miracle Chip

The 1987 Masters produced a Cinderella story and one of the most shocking playoff finishes in tournament history. Local boy Larry Mize, a relatively unheralded pro, found himself in a sudden-death playoff against Greg Norman and Seve Ballesteros after all three tied at 9-under.

Ballesteros bowed out on the first playoff hole, leaving Mize and Norman to duel. On the second playoff hole, the par-4 11th, Norman’s approach landed safely on the green, while Mize’s went right, leaving him 140 feet from the pin in the rough. Facing a likely defeat, Mize chipped with a sand wedge, and the ball bounced twice before rolling straight into the cup for an improbable birdie. Norman missed his birdie attempt, handing Mize the green jacket.

The Augusta native’s walk-off chip stunned the golf world and remains one of the Masters’ most unexpected and exhilarating conclusions.

1986: Jack Nicklaus’ Final Roar

The 1986 Masters stands as perhaps the most iconic finish in the tournament’s history, thanks to Jack Nicklaus’ improbable victory at age 46. Already a five-time Masters champion, Nicklaus entered the final round four strokes behind leader Greg Norman. Most assumed the Golden Bear’s best days were behind him, but what unfolded on April 13, 1986, was pure magic.

Nicklaus began the back nine with a charge that electrified Augusta. At the par-3 12th, he stuck his tee shot to within 12 feet and made birdie. Then, on the par-5 15th, he hit a towering 4-iron to 12 feet and sank an eagle putt, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The defining moment came at the 17th, where his 11-foot birdie putt dropped, prompting announcer Verne Lundquist’s legendary call: “Yes, sir!” Nicklaus finished with a back-nine 30 and a final-round 65, posting 9-under for the tournament.

Norman, Seve Ballesteros, and Tom Kite all had chances to catch him, but faltered under pressure. Nicklaus’ 6th green jacket cemented his status as golf’s greatest, and the finish remains a testament to his enduring brilliance. It’s the gold standard of Masters drama.

2019: Tiger Woods’ Comeback for the Ages

Tiger Woods’ 2019 Masters victory is a story of redemption that captivated the world. After years of personal and physical struggles—including multiple back surgeries that left his career in doubt—Woods entered the final round one stroke behind Francesco Molinari. At 43, few believed he could reclaim his past dominance, but Augusta had other plans.

The turning point came on the 12th hole, the infamous par-3 “Golden Bell.” Molinari, Brooks Koepka, and Tony Finau all found the water, while Woods played it safe and made par. He seized the lead with a birdie on the 15th and extended it with another on the 16th, hitting a precise tee shot to set up a tap-in. Woods closed with a bogey on 18 for a final-round 70, finishing at 13-under, one stroke ahead of Dustin Johnson, Koepka, and Xander Schauffele.

The roars echoing through the pines as Woods walked up 18, followed by an emotional embrace with his son Charlie, mirrored his 1997 triumph. His 15th major and 5th Masters title was a finish that transcended golf, symbolizing resilience and rewriting his legacy.

2005: Tiger Woods’ Chip Heard ‘Round the World

The 2005 Masters delivered one of the most memorable shots in golf history, courtesy of Tiger Woods. Locked in a duel with Chris DiMarco, Woods held a one-stroke lead heading to the 16th hole in the final round. After missing the green long and left, he faced a near-impossible chip from a tricky lie. What followed was a moment of genius.

Woods aimed 20 feet left of the hole, letting the slope carry the ball toward the cup. The ball trickled down, paused on the edge—complete with a dramatic Nike logo close-up—and dropped for birdie. The crowd erupted, and Woods pumped his fist, knowing he’d landed a dagger. He finished the round with a 69, forcing a playoff with DiMarco.

In sudden death, Woods sealed his 4th green jacket with a birdie on the 18th. The chip on 16 remains the defining image, a blend of skill and theater that ranks this finish among the Masters’ finest.

1975: The Golden Bear vs. The Black Knight

The 1975 Masters showcased a titanic clash between Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, and Tom Weiskopf, culminating in a finish for the ages. Nicklaus, seeking his 5th Masters title, trailed Weiskopf by one and Miller by two entering the final round. The back nine turned into a shootout, with all three players trading blows.

Nicklaus ignited the drama with a 40-foot birdie putt on the 16th, taking a one-stroke lead. Weiskopf answered with a birdie on 15, and Miller birdied 17 to keep pace. The tension peaked on 18, where Weiskopf and Miller both had chances to force a playoff but missed their birdie putts. Nicklaus’ final-round 68 held firm at 12-under, edging Weiskopf and Miller by one.

This finish is celebrated for its star power and relentless pressure, with three of golf’s biggest names battling to the wire. Nicklaus’ clutch putting secured his place as Augusta’s king.

Why These Finishes Stand Out

Each of these Masters finishes showcases a unique blend of skill, drama, and historical weight. Nicklaus’ 1986 triumph is the pinnacle for its late-career heroics, while Woods’ 2019 win resonates for its emotional depth. The 2005 chip and 1975 shootout highlight individual brilliance and competitive fire, respectively, and Mize’s 1987 upset proves Augusta’s capacity for surprises.

These moments are etched into the Masters’ legacy because they embody what makes the tournament special: the pressure of the back nine on Sunday, the roars of the crowd, and the beauty of a green jacket ceremony. Whether it’s a legend defying time or an underdog stealing the spotlight, the Masters continues to deliver finishes that define golfing greatness.

As we look to future tournaments, these classics remind us why Augusta National remains the sport’s ultimate stage. The next unforgettable finish could be just a swing away.