The Significance of The Masters Tournament
The Masters is arguably the second most prestigious golf tournament worldwide, trailing only behind The Open. Winning this tournament can define a golfer’s career, while failure to perform could confine them to a lesser status in the sport. The level of competition ensures that mistakes are recorded for posterity, just as extraordinary moments become part of golfing lore.
Surprising Champions from the Last 50 Years
In exploring the tournament’s history, PrimePutt has compiled a list of the five most unexpected Masters champions from the past five decades, ranked based on their odds before the tournament, using data from Sports Odds History.
A Historical Venue
Located at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the course has humbled many top names, including Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, and Rory McIlroy, while uplifting iconic players such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The course’s roots touch a historical narrative, as it was once a plantation where enslaved individuals worked. It wasn’t until 1975 that the first Black player, Lee Elder, competed at Augusta, and the club welcomed its first Black member in 1990 and its first female member in 2012.
A Glimpse at the Course
The grounds are renowned for their immaculate landscaping, featuring pristine grass, blossoming azaleas, and graceful dogwoods lining the famous Rae’s Creek at Amen Corner. Tributes to legends like Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus can be found on plaques throughout the course, serving as both a remembrance and backdrop for groundbreaking moments in golf history every April.
#5. Hideki Matsuyama (2021)
– Pretournament odds: +6000
Hideki Matsuyama made history as the first golfer from an Asian nation to win the Masters, clinching victory after a remarkable performance that followed a weather delay. His journey included a stellar 65 on Saturday and nerves that persisted until his decisive putt on hole 18, securing a one-shot win.
#4. Charl Schwartzel (2011)
– Pretournament odds: +10000
The 2011 edition is often remembered for Rory McIlroy’s struggles, but Charl Schwartzel’s performance shone through. He made history by birdieing four consecutive holes to conclude the tournament, mirroring Jack Nicklaus’s finish in 1986. This marked Schwartzel’s first PGA Tour win during only his second appearance at Augusta.
#2. Angel Cabrera (2009) and Zach Johnson (2007) (tie)
– Pretournament odds: +12500
Angel Cabrera’s win came after battling through a challenging final round, securing a playoff victory with critical birdies down the stretch. He was the first South American to win the tournament. Similarly, Zach Johnson recorded a score of 1 over, tying the record for the highest winning score at the Masters, and triumphing in a tense competition against golf legends like Tiger Woods.
#1. Trevor Immelman (2008)
– Pretournament odds: +15000
Trevor Immelman clinched the title by three strokes shortly after health challenges had sidelined him. His final-round performance in challenging weather solidified his success, marking a remarkable achievement that set a standard for future Masters competitors. This win remains his only major championship title, and he later struggled to replicate his success in major events.
This article originally appeared on PrimePutt and was collaboratively produced and distributed with Stacker Studio.
