Watch the final round broadcast of the 1972 Masters.
Jack Nicklaus wins his fourth Masters by three strokes over Tom Weiskopf, Bruce Crampton, and Bobby Mitchell.
The 1972 Masters Tournament, the 36th edition of this prestigious golf event, remains a pivotal moment in the history of the sport.
Held from April 6th to April 9th at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, this tournament marked a significant turning point.
Let’s delve into the remarkable highlights of the 1972 Masters Tournament, including Jack Nicklaus’ exceptional performance, the absence of the tournament’s founder Bobby Jones, and the debut of a young prodigy, Ben Crenshaw.
Jack Nicklaus’ Dominance
The 1972 Masters Tournament kicked off with a bang as legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus opened with an impressive score of 68.
This remarkable start set the tone for the tournament, as Nicklaus went on to lead wire-to-wire, securing his fourth Masters title.
Nicklaus’ exceptional performance saw him finish three strokes ahead of three worthy runners-up, cementing his status as one of golf’s all-time greats.
Nicklaus’ victory in 1972 marked his tenth major title as a professional golfer.
He also clinched the U.S. Open that same year and came agonizingly close to winning the Open Championship in Scotland, finishing just one stroke behind the champion, Lee Trevino.
This victory solidified Nicklaus’ reputation as a dominant force in the world of golf.
The Absence of Bobby Jones
One poignant aspect of the 1972 Masters Tournament was the absence of its founder, Bobby Jones.
The tournament took place just a few months after Jones passed away in December 1971 at the age of 69.
Jones had played a pivotal role in establishing the Masters and the Augusta National Golf Club, making this edition of the tournament particularly significant as the first one without his presence.
A Young Star’s Debut
The 1972 Masters Tournament also marked the debut of a young and promising golfer, Ben Crenshaw.
At just twenty years old and representing the University of Texas, Crenshaw displayed immense potential.
While he didn’t clinch the Masters title in his debut, he showcased his talent by finishing as the low amateur at 295, securing the 19th position in the tournament.
Little did the world know that Crenshaw would go on to become a two-time Masters champion in the years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
A Memorable Return
In 1972, the Masters Tournament saw the return of commentator Jack Whitaker to the CBS telecast.
This return came after a five-year ban from the event, stemming from a controversial statement made during the 1966 18-hole Monday playoff.
Whitaker had referred to the gallery following the players as a “mob.” His reinstatement in 1972 added an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament, highlighting the evolving dynamics in the world of sports broadcasting.
A Historic Wire-to-Wire Win
Jack Nicklaus’ wire-to-wire victory at the 1972 Masters Tournament made history, becoming only the third golfer to achieve this feat at Augusta.
Craig Wood in 1941 and Arnold Palmer in 1960 were the previous wire-to-wire winners.
Subsequently, only two more golfers, Raymond Floyd in 1976 and Jordan Spieth in 2015, have accomplished this remarkable feat at the Masters.
