Watch the complete final round broadcast of the 1996 Masters. Nick Faldo shoots a final round 67 to win his third Green Jacket, by five strokes over Greg Norman.
Nick Faldo’s Epic Comeback: The 1996 Masters Tournament
The 1996 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, marked a historic moment in golf history.
It was the 60th edition of this prestigious tournament, and it witnessed one of the most remarkable comebacks and collapses the golfing world had ever seen.
Let’s delve into the thrilling details of this unforgettable tournament, where Nick Faldo secured his third Masters victory and his sixth and final major title.
Norman’s Historic Start
The 1996 Masters began with a bang as Greg Norman, the Australian golf sensation, set a blazing trail in the first round.
He achieved a remarkable feat by shooting a 63, making it only the second 63 in Masters history. Nick Price had achieved the first 63 back in 1986.
Norman’s round was nothing short of spectacular, with six pars followed by nine birdies in the final twelve holes.
This remarkable start gave him a commanding lead and raised expectations for an epic showdown.
Faldo’s Steady Climb
While Norman was dominating the headlines, Nick Faldo was quietly climbing the leaderboard.
Faldo posted a solid 67 on Friday, putting himself in second place, albeit six strokes behind Norman.
The pivotal moment came on Saturday when Faldo managed to secure a scrambling par on the 18th hole.
This par meant that Faldo would be paired with Norman on Sunday, setting the stage for a dramatic final round.
The Final Round Showdown
The final round of the 1996 Masters was one for the ages.
Greg Norman began the day with a four-shot lead after maintaining his dominance through the first seven holes.
However, golf has a unique way of turning fortunes, and this round was no exception.
Over the next five holes, Norman’s game began to unravel as he lost five shots to par. Faldo capitalized on this, picking up a crucial birdie during that stretch.
The Turning Point
The turning point of the tournament came on the 12th hole when Norman’s tee shot found the water, resulting in a double-bogey.
This costly mistake allowed Faldo to take a two-shot lead.
Any hopes of a Norman victory were dashed on the par-three 16th hole when, once again, his tee shot found the water. In stark contrast, Faldo played a masterful round, finishing with a 67, the best round of the day.
Norman, on the other hand, struggled to a 78, one of the worst rounds of the day.
This dramatic turn of events marked the greatest comeback and collapse in Masters history, a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Tiger Woods’ Early Exit
In the midst of the Faldo-Norman showdown, there was another noteworthy storyline.
A 20-year-old Tiger Woods, in only his second Masters appearance, failed to make the cut.
Little did the golfing world know that this setback was just a precursor to the incredible success that awaited Woods in his professional career.
He returned the following year as a professional and made history by winning the Masters by a stunning 12-stroke margin.
The 1996 Masters Tournament will always be remembered for Nick Faldo’s remarkable comeback and Greg Norman’s heartbreaking collapse.
It was a moment that showcased the unpredictable nature of golf and the resilience of champions.
As we reflect on this historic event, we can’t help but appreciate the enduring legacy of the Masters Tournament, where every stroke can change the course of history.
