masters history
masters history
Rumor has it a Masters ticket to see the world’s greatest golfers tackle the beautiful but demanding conditions at Augusta National can be harder to find than Super Bowl tickets. That’s because the Masters truly is a tradition like no other. From the blooming azaleas to the towering Georgia pines, television doesn’t do Augusta’s immaculate beauty justice. Once you step onto the hollowed grounds, you’ll understand. Make sure you’re between the ropes this April by reserving your Masters tickets today.
Phil Mickelson did again at the 2006 Masters, claiming his second green jacket in impressive fashion. The man known as Lefty blistered the supped-up conditions at Augusta for a closing-round 69 to hold off a field chalked full of stars. The game’s best each made runs, sending deafening roars through the course. But not even the mighty Tiger Woods could not touch Mickelson in 2006.
Mickelson finished at 7-under, two better than upstart Tim Clark of South Africa. Countryman Retief Goosen, along with Woods, second-round leader Chad Campbell and former champions Jose Maria Olazabal and Fred Couples, finished three back. But it wasn’t that close. Mickelson was clearly the best golfer on the course that day.
The victory, his second in three years at the Masters and second major in a row (he also won the 2005 PGA Championship), solidifies his status as one of golf’s all-time greats. In 2004, it took an 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win his first major, shedding the tag of the best player never to win one of golf’s four major tournaments. In 2006, it was much easier.
Now, at the 2007 Masters, Mickelson will look to put another obstacle in Woods’ quest to capture his fifth green jacket. Shoot, with another win at Augusta this April, Mickelson’s collection of emerald jackets will be just shy of Woods’. Everybody’s still chasing the Golden Bear, though. Jack Nicklaus sports six green sport coats, highlighted by his dramatic win in 1986. Then a gritty 46-year-old, Nicklaus shot a sterling 6-under 30 on the back nine to become the oldest Master champion. It’s one of golf’s most memorable moments.
In 2005, Woods had the featured moment at the Master, holing a dramatic chip shot on the 16th green. He would go on to hold off Chris DiMarco in a playoff to win his fifth Masters. What memorable moments will happen at the next Masters? Will Lefty continue his assault on Tiger? Or will Woods get his revenge? Make this the year you’re between the ropes at Augusta National with Masters tickets.
