Ranking the 9 Greatest Shots in Masters History

From Bubba and Phil to Jack and Tiger, the Masters has produced unforgettable moments

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:48pm

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The Masters Tournament has a rich history of iconic shots that have etched their place in golf lore. This article ranks the 9 greatest shots in Masters history, from Louis Oosthuizen's albatross in 2012 to Tiger Woods' legendary chip-in on the 16th hole in 2005.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and these shots have become part of the tournament's enduring legacy. They showcase the drama, skill, and excitement that make the Masters so beloved by fans.

The details

The article covers 9 memorable shots, including: 9. Louis Oosthuizen's albatross on the par-5 2nd hole in 2012 8. Sandy Lyle's famous 7-iron shot from the bunker on the 18th hole to win in 1988 7. Phil Mickelson's miraculous 6-iron shot from the pine straw on the 13th hole to win in 2010 6. Jack Nicklaus' birdie on the 16th hole en route to his historic 1986 victory at age 46 5. Bubba Watson's hook shot from the trees on the 10th hole to win the 2012 playoff 4. Rory McIlroy's 7-iron approach around the trees on the 15th hole in 2025 3. Gene Sarazen's 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' albatross on the 15th hole in 1935 2. Larry Mize's improbable chip-in to win the 1987 playoff 1. Tiger Woods' legendary chip-in on the 16th hole in 2005

  • In 2012, Louis Oosthuizen made an albatross on the par-5 2nd hole in the final round.
  • In 1988, Sandy Lyle won the Masters with a famous 7-iron shot from the bunker on the 18th hole.
  • In 2010, Phil Mickelson hit a miraculous 6-iron shot from the pine straw on the 13th hole to win the tournament.
  • In 1986, Jack Nicklaus, at age 46, made a memorable birdie on the 16th hole en route to his historic Masters victory.
  • In 2012, Bubba Watson hit a hook shot from the trees on the 10th hole to win the playoff.

The players

Louis Oosthuizen

A South African professional golfer who won the 2010 British Open and finished runner-up at the 2012 Masters after making an albatross on the 2nd hole.

Sandy Lyle

A Scottish professional golfer who won the 1988 Masters with a famous 7-iron shot from the bunker on the 18th hole.

Phil Mickelson

An American professional golfer who has won 3 Masters titles, including in 2010 when he hit a miraculous 6-iron shot from the pine straw on the 13th hole.

Jack Nicklaus

An American professional golfer who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, winning 6 Masters titles including his historic victory in 1986 at age 46.

Bubba Watson

An American professional golfer who won the 2012 Masters with a hook shot from the trees on the 10th hole in a playoff.

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What they’re saying

“Hooked it about 40 yards, hit about 15 feet off the ground until it got under the tree and then started rising. Pretty easy.”

— Bubba Watson, 2012 Masters Champion

“Well, I couldn't see it go in the hole. All I could see were those 25 people [around the green] all getting up and throwing their arms up. I knew something had happened. The ball was either close, or it was in. And my caddie said, 'I think that it's in the hole.'”

— Gene Sarazen, 1935 Masters Champion

“Under the circumstances, it was one of the best I've ever hit. All of a sudden, it was pretty good, then really good, then it was, 'How can it not go in?' Then it went in.”

— Tiger Woods, 5-time Masters Champion

The takeaway

The Masters Tournament has produced some of the most iconic and memorable moments in golf history. These 9 shots, from albatrosses to miraculous chip-ins, have cemented the Masters' legacy as one of the most dramatic and exciting events in all of sports.