Tiger Woods Wins First Masters by Record Margin

At age 21, Woods becomes the youngest golfer to win the prestigious tournament.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:49pm

An expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and movement of a golfer swinging a club, with the ball blurred in motion, conceptually representing Tiger Woods' record-breaking Masters victory.Tiger Woods' dominant performance at the 1997 Masters Tournament ushered in a new era of golf, showcasing the young phenom's unparalleled skill and power.Middletown Today

On April 13, 1997, Tiger Woods, at the age of 21, became the youngest golfer to win the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. He finished the tournament with a record 12-stroke lead over runner-up Tom Kite, cementing his status as a rising star in the sport of golf.

Why it matters

Woods' dominant performance at the 1997 Masters marked a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional golf. His record-breaking victory at such a young age foreshadowed the incredible success he would go on to achieve in the years to come, making this event a pivotal moment in the history of the sport.

The details

Tiger Woods, then 21 years old, won the 1997 Masters Tournament by a record 12-stroke margin, finishing the tournament with a score of 270, 18 under par. His performance shattered the previous record for the largest margin of victory at the Masters, which had stood for 32 years.

  • On April 13, 1997, Tiger Woods won the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

The players

Tiger Woods

A professional golfer who, at the age of 21, became the youngest player to win the prestigious Masters Tournament in 1997.

Tom Kite

The runner-up in the 1997 Masters Tournament, finishing 12 strokes behind Tiger Woods.

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The takeaway

Tiger Woods' dominant performance at the 1997 Masters marked a significant milestone in his career, establishing him as a rising star in the sport of golf and foreshadowing the incredible success he would go on to achieve in the years to come.