The entire golf world is missing the GOAT at the prestigious Masters Open. Tiger Woods, who last missed participating at the Augusta National, was in 2021 when he met with an accident. However, in the later years, despite battling injury in the back, he has managed to take part. But with 2025, the surprise of his non-participation and even missing the Champion Dinner left a void in the hearts of golf enthusiasts. Though we won’t be witnessing the golfer this year, we can still relive the historic moment of Woods at the Masters. So refreshing the iconic moments here are the 5 instances that left a sweet memory in the mind of the entire golf community.
5 unforgettable moments of Tiger Woods at the Masters
1997 Masters the smell of victory
The first victory at the major is always special for a golfer, but an exceptional performance is what leaves a memory for the entire community. In 1997, a 21-year-old did the same thing. The dominant performance by Woods, who finished 18-under, was in the lead with 12 strokes to Tom Kite. The performance was praised by the entire golf world. Even Jim Nantz during the Masters broadcast said, “There it is – a win for the ages!” Not just this, but the record-breaking viewership of 44 million viewers was also a feat that determined the growing fan base for the golfer.
Well, if we go back in time and no one would believe the achievement of the golfer after checking his first round score. Woods started off with 4-over in the first nine holes. Being 4 over and then closing on 18 under isn’t realistic, but the Big Cat made it possible. After his struggle in the first nine holes, he started his upward climb. Following this, he recorded rounds of 70-66-65-69 to become the youngest and first non-White golfer to win the Masters.
2002 Masters, the feat not ordinary
Back in 1990, Nick Faldo became the first player to defend his Masters title. Well, Tiger Woods was the one who started his Masters victory run by breaking the old record. After becoming the youngest Masters winner, Woods wore the green jacket in 2001 again. And with his 2002 appearance, he seemed prepared to break another record by defending his title. However, his first round with 2-under, 70 finish raised a worry for his contention.
But interestingly, the Big Cat, who was placed T7 after the first round, made his way with his substantial low scores. He continued to record rounds of 69 and 66 to stay in the lead. Tied for the lead with Retief Goosen, the golfer was the most rooted. However, his performance saw a downside in the final round as he carded three bogeys to end the round 1-under, 71. But despite the decline, the golfer comfortably sealed the victory with 3 stroke difference.
2005 Masters chip it, clinch it
If there is any shot that defines perfect trajectory mapping, the list would definitely include Tiger Woods’s chip at the 16th (Redbud). Woods, who entered the course to clinch his fourth Masters win in 2005, shot a sub-par 74 in the first round. But soon after, he started to close the lead with his 66 and 65 in the following round. The two redemption rounds helped him get into the leader’s group with Chris DiMarco.
The final round battle took a turn when the Big Cat’s shot on the 16th landed on the left side of the green. On the other hand, DiMarco shot was right on target, has the ball was in the center. Woods, who seemed to have a weak position on ‘Redbud,’ required a miraculous shot. Indeed, he did as expected; the GOAT’s chip shot from the median line of rough and green with a sloping right trajectory of the ball went exactly as planned. The ball traveled to the left side parallel to the hole and then started to follow the slope towards the hole. Though the slow momentum left the patron cheering in mild voice and creating more suspense ball stopped on the lip. The cheer, which started to pick up, went down. But not for long, as after staying on the edge for 2 seconds, the ball chose to drop in. The historic putt helped the golfer with his fourth win and left a mark on the history of golf.
Besides the three, there are many other moments, including the ‘Tiger Slam’ which displayed sheer dominance of the golfer and left the golf world amused. However, for us, these three hold the top spots, especially the chip shot. Which is the best moment of Tiger Woods at the Masters, according to you? Let us know about it in the comments section below.
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