Augusta National provides one of the most thorough tests on the golfing calendar, with The Masters always managing to make some world-class players look rather foolish.
It says everything that no player since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 has won The Masters on their first visit to Augusta National. Experience tends to be vital at the first major of the year.
Do you think you could win The Masters if you started every hole on the green?
If not, how many shots would you also need?
Some players have clearly found the formula when it comes to performing well at The Masters. Jack Nicklaus won the green jacket six times, while Tiger Woods‘ victory in 2019 was his fifth at the iconic venue.
But remarkably, neither Nicklaus nor Woods ever managed to post four rounds in the 60s in the same tournament.
In fact, the only player to do so has never actually won The Masters.
The only player to ever post four rounds in the 60s at The Masters
The Masters in 2020 was unique. The event was held in November due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, there were no patrons in attendance.
Dustin Johnson broke the record for the lowest score in the event’s history, as he won on 20 under par. He finished five shots clear, with his worst round of the week being a 70 on Friday in Georgia.
But one of the players who finished tied for second did write their name in Masters folklore with rounds of 67, 68, 69, and 69.
Cameron Smith has an impressive record at Augusta National across his career. The 2025 event saw him miss the cut for the very first time.
Between 2020 and 2024, he finished in the top 10 four times. His best result was that runner-up finish just over five years ago.
Smith was one of five players tied for the lead at the halfway stage. Unfortunately for the Australian, Johnson took charge of the tournament on Saturday, moving four shots clear.
Nevertheless, he has done something that the likes of Nicklaus, Woods, or Arnold Palmer have never accomplished.
Cameron Smith may be one to watch at The Masters in 2026 after a nightmare season
More than half of Smith’s top 10s in the majors have come at The Masters.
But it is also the case that he was the only player to miss every single major cut in 2025. So it is going to be fascinating to see how he responds in the coming months.
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His performance at the Australian Open was definitely encouraging. But he goes into 2026 with a huge point to prove.
Perhaps The Masters will provide the perfect stage to silence his doubters.
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