The Masters Tournament, a prestigious golf event, has seen its fair share of dramatic comebacks and record-breaking performances. Among the many intriguing aspects of this tournament, one particular trend stands out: the tendency of players to extend their leads significantly after the first 36 holes. This article delves into the stories of six players who held five-shot leads after 36 holes and the eventual outcomes of their Masters journeys.
The Dominance of Scottie Scheffler
In 2022, Scottie Scheffler made his mark as the world's top-ranked golfer. His performance in the first two rounds was nothing short of impressive, with rounds of 69-67 in challenging wind conditions. Scheffler's lead of five shots over defending champion Hideki Matsuyama, Charl Schwartzel, Shane Lowry, and Sungjae Im seemed insurmountable. However, the story took an unexpected turn on Saturday. Scheffler's bogey on the 18th hole and a four-putt on the final hole allowed Cameron Smith to close the gap to three shots. Despite the setback, Scheffler's resilience prevailed, and he ultimately won by three shots, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with.
Jordan Spieth's Record-Breaking Performance
Jordan Spieth's 2015 Masters journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Coming off a runner-up finish in his debut, Spieth set a new 36-hole scoring record with rounds of 64-66, breaking a 39-year-old record. His lead of five shots over Charley Hoffman was a testament to his dominance. Spieth's performance only improved as he set the 54-hole scoring record and won by a margin of four shots over Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose. This dominance left his competitors struggling to keep up, with no one getting closer than three shots over the final 54 holes.
Raymond Floyd's Impressive Start
Raymond Floyd's 1976 performance was a testament to his exceptional skills. He opened with rounds of 65-66, building a five-shot lead over defending champion Jack Nicklaus. Floyd's performance set multiple records, including the low start by a champion, the 36-hole record, and the 54-hole record, all of which stood until Spieth's win in 2015. Floyd's lead expanded to eight shots over Nicklaus in the third round, and he matched Nicklaus's 72-hole record with a closing 70. This performance solidified Floyd's place in Masters history.
Jack Nicklaus's Prescient Prediction
In 1975, Jack Nicklaus, already a four-time Masters champion, opened with rounds of 68-67, building a five-shot lead over Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, and Tom Watson. Nicklaus's confidence in his lead was evident when he said he hoped for a 10-shot lead after the third round. However, his prediction didn't come to fruition as he shot 73 in the third round, allowing Tom Weiskopf to close the gap. The back nine of this round is remembered as one of the most thrilling in Masters history, with Nicklaus making a crucial 40-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole.
Herman Keiser's Comeback Avoidance
Herman Keiser's 1946 Masters journey took an unexpected turn. After serving in the Navy, Keiser shot 69-68 to build a five-shot lead over Jimmy Thomson. The headlines were buzzing with the question of whether Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead could catch up with Keiser, who had only one PGA Tour title. Keiser's lead held strong until the final day, where he shot 74 and three-putted the 18th hole, allowing Hogan to win by one shot. Keiser's career ended without a major win.
Harry 'Lighthorse' Cooper's Rain-Soaked Triumph
The 1936 Masters was a rain-soaked affair, with the final two rounds played on Monday. Harry 'Lighthorse' Cooper shot 70-69 to lead by five shots over Bobby Cruickshank. In the third round, Cooper's lead was reduced to three shots as Horton Smith, the first Masters champion, shot 68. Smith's comeback continued with birdies on the 14th and 15th holes, ultimately winning by one shot over Cooper, who faded with a 76. Cooper's career ended without a major win, leaving a fascinating 'what if' scenario in the annals of golf history.
These stories highlight the Masters' unique blend of drama, records, and unexpected twists. While some players have successfully maintained their leads, others have faced dramatic comebacks, reminding us that in golf, as in life, nothing is ever truly over until it's over.
