7 overshadowed moments from the 2019 Masters final round
The final round of the 2019 Masters was aired on CBS on Sunday, giving fans the chance to rewatch Tiger Woods' remarkable feat at Augusta National.
It also provided the opportunity to remember a number of great moments that were overshadowed by Tiger's eventual victory.
Tiger's gamesmenship
Tiger isn't just one of the best golfers of all time, but also one of the best at playing (and winning) mind games on the course. His elite gamesmanship likely rattled playing partners Francesco Molinari and Tony Finau throughout the final round.
If you don't think Tiger strategically picks where to stand on the tee deck, think again.
Here’s a free lesson in gamesmanship pic.twitter.com/JNNL2oROub
— Two Inches Short (@TwoInchesShort) April 12, 2020
After both Molinari and Finau rinsed their tee shots on No. 12, check out where Woods was standing as his playing partners were taking their drops.
#MastersRewind pic.twitter.com/7eeje6si1p
— Tiger Tracker (@GCTigerTracker) April 12, 2020
Playing alongside Tiger has always been an intimidating task - Molinari and Finau felt the full effects of that. Interestingly enough, had it not been for bad weather forcing threesomes instead of twosomes on Sunday, Tiger would not have been in the final group.
Molinari's real collapse
On the broadcast they said initially that Molinari had chunked this wedge on 15, and he might have, but mostly it smoked that branch! pic.twitter.com/DvRxSSrE9y
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) April 12, 2020
When people look back at the 2019 Masters, many will point toward No. 12 as the turning point that led Tiger to victory. While that may be true, it was Molinari's performance on the par-5 15th that ultimately ended his chances.
No. 15 is the last great birdie opportunity at Augusta National. After missing the fairway with his drive and hitting a terrible layup, the Italian found the water after his third shot hit an overhanging tree branch. He made a double-bogey - on a hole where making par is expected - to wind up two short of Tiger. If Molinari birdies, or even makes five on the 15th, the 2019 Masters would have played out a lot differently.
Koepka hits amid chaos
Koepka ripping a drive while the crowd cheers for Tiger’s shot on 16 was sick
— Eric Patterson (@EPatGolf) April 12, 2020
pic.twitter.com/MG7572TUwl
Brooks Koepka was trying to chase down Tiger when he peered over to the 16th green and saw Woods' ball trickling down the slope for a near ace. While the crowd was still energized by Tiger's brilliant shot, Koepka stepped up and ripped his drive down the 17th fairway. The scene encapsulated the electricity at Augusta.
Tiger's lag putt
It was far from the sexiest shot Tiger hit on Sunday but it was easily one of the most jaw-dropping. Woods was at the back of the three-tiered ninth green and hit a ridiculous lag putt that settled within inches of the hole. A three-putt could have derailed any momentum he built heading into the back nine.
ZJ whiffs again
Crazy thing is he did the exact same thing 2 days later on the same hole. Even after we were joking about better not do it again and his caddie, Brett, telling him how about you take an extra step back. 🤷♂️
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) April 12, 2020
Unfortunately, there is no video of Zach Johnson's practice-swing shank during the final round, which Billy Horschel said happened on the same hole two days after his shank from Round 2. Luckily, there's a video of that one. Maybe Johnson should change his preshot routine?
DeChambeau's first ace
What a place to have your first hole-in-one.@b_dechambeau cards a one on No. 16. #MastersRewind pic.twitter.com/fsKZhngNzi
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2020
It doesn't get much better than this.
Bryson DeChambeau made his first hole-in-one ever on No. 16 at Augusta and reacted accordingly. Imagine if DeChambeau, who's added around 30 pounds of muscle in the last 12 months, celebrated like this in 2020? Poor Takumi Kanaya - the player DeChambeau hugs first - would have been crushed!
DJ's forgettable run
Wait, Dustin Johnson was in contention at the 2019 Masters?
The then-No. 1 player in the world held a share of the lead late on Sunday and finished in a tie for second, yet he's not one of the players who stands out when remembering last year's tournament.
Maybe that's because the broadcast forgot about him, too.
DJ was the number one player in the world and did we see a shot of his before 16!? He finished one shot back!
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) April 12, 2020
(Has to get one coverage tweet in 😉)
DJ ties the lead on the 71st hole at the Masters and they treated it like he just moved within three on a Friday afternoon at the 3M.
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) April 12, 2020
HEADLINES
- Scheffler ties 72-hole score record in dominant Byron Nelson win
- Scheffler’s lead grows to 8 in the dark at his hometown Byron Nelson
- Scheffler leads by 6 at Byron Nelson after weather-delayed 2nd round
- Collet sails to 10-shot victory, leads 20 club pros going to PGA Championship
- Snedeker, Ogilvy named 2026 Presidents Cup captains