Watch the complete final round broadcast of the 1991 Masters.
Ian Woosnam edges Jose Maria Olazabal by a single stroke, with former Masters champions Ben Crenshaw and Tom Watson finishing two strokes back.
Ian Woosnam’s Historic Victory: The 1991 Masters Tournament Recap
The 1991 Masters Tournament, the 55th edition of this prestigious golfing event, took place from April 11th to 14th at the Augusta National Golf Club in the picturesque city of Augusta, Georgia.
In an exhilarating showdown, Ian Woosnam clinched his first major title, securing a thrilling one-stroke victory over the formidable José María Olazábal.
This thrilling Masters Tournament was characterized by tense moments, dramatic finishes, and the emergence of future golfing legends. Let’s dive into the gripping details of this unforgettable golfing spectacle.
Woosnam’s Triumph
As the tournament reached its climactic conclusion, Ian Woosnam found himself in a nail-biting battle for the green jacket.
Heading into the 72nd hole, Woosnam, José María Olazábal, and the two-time champion Tom Watson were all deadlocked at an impressive score of -11.
The tension was palpable as the fate of the Masters hung in the balance.
José María Olazábal, playing ahead of Woosnam and Watson, faced a daunting challenge when he landed in a fairway bunker and subsequently found himself in a greenside bunker.
Despite a valiant effort, Olazábal couldn’t sink a challenging 45-foot par putt, opening the door for the other contenders.
Tom Watson, a golfing legend at 41 years old, was not without his own share of excitement.
He had previously eagled both the 13th and 15th holes, igniting hopes of a miraculous victory.
However, the pressure proved too much on the final hole.
Watson’s tee shot veered right, landing him in an unfortunate greenside bunker.
In an attempt to recover, he chipped out but struggled to find the hole, ultimately carding a double bogey.
With the crowd holding its collective breath, Ian Woosnam remained composed under the immense pressure.
He calmly sunk an 8-foot par putt, sealing his fate as the winner of the 1991 Masters Tournament and earning the coveted green jacket.
The roar of the crowd and the elation on Woosnam’s face marked the pinnacle of his golfing career.
A United Kingdom Dominance
The 1991 Masters Tournament marked a historic moment in golf history.
It was the fourth consecutive year that the Masters champion hailed from the United Kingdom.
This remarkable streak began with Sandy Lyle’s triumph in 1988 and continued through Woosnam’s victorious moment in 1991.
The dominance of UK golfers at Augusta was a testament to their skill, determination, and ability to conquer one of the most challenging courses in the world.
Notably, as of 2023, Ian Woosnam still remains the sole Masters champion from Wales, adding a unique chapter to the tournament’s storied history.
Meanwhile, José María Olazábal would go on to capture two more Masters titles, etching his name further into golfing lore with victories in 1994 and 1999.
Phil Mickelson’s Ascent
The 1991 Masters Tournament also witnessed the early stages of another golfing legend’s journey.
Phil Mickelson, a talented 20-year-old junior at Arizona State University, emerged as the low amateur with a respectable score of 290 (+2).
Although he tied for 46th place, this marked the beginning of Mickelson’s storied career, and he would go on to become one of the most celebrated golfers in history, eventually clinching multiple major titles.
