When it comes to the most dramatic collapses in golfing history, they do not come much more stunning than Greg Norman failing to win the 1996 Masters despite going into the final round with a six shot lead.
Given that Greg Norman is one of golf’s all-time greats, it is surprising that the Australian only managed to win two major titles during his career – with both coming at The Open Championship. He would actually finish second in eight majors.
And it was perhaps the final runner-up finish which proved to be the most painful as Norman lost out to Nick Faldo at the 1996 Masters.
Norman registered eight top five finishes in 23 appearances at Augusta National. But it seemed that 1996 was destined to finally be the moment he would get to put his arms in the green jacket as he took a six-shot lead into the final round.
The big mistake Greg Norman made at the 1996 Masters
Norman had opened the week with a 63, and his lead opened up further over the next two days. However, it all fell apart on Sunday, as he shot a 78 to lose by five to Faldo.
The lead was down to two by the turn, and a double bogey on 12 would see the Englishman take the lead for the first time. He would not give it up from there.
And speaking to Dom Harvey in 2024, Steve Williams – who caddied for Norman as well as Tiger Woods – shared the mistake he felt the Shark made on that fateful day at Augusta.
“He was broken after that tournament. [Six] shot lead. The big mistake he made, when Tiger had a seven shot lead, he’d try and make it an eight shot lead. Greg played so defensive that day,” he said.
“Greg’s great motto when he signs an autograph ‘Greg Norman, attack life’. That was his thing: attack life. And he didn’t attack the golf course that day. If he had have played in his normal way, there’s no way he would have got beat. He played very conservative, and sometimes when you play very conservative, it doesn’t happen.”
Tiger Woods would prove Steve Williams’ point at the 1997 Masters
Norman would miss the cut one year later. But it was Woods’ performance which the 1997 Masters is remembered for, with the youngster securing his first major title in emphatic fashion.
Woods won by 12 shots, winning the tournament on 18 under par. And of course, he has since won the Masters on four more occasions. Only Jack Nicklaus has won more green jackets during his career.
Norman meanwhile, would have to wait until 1999 for his next positive finish at the event, as he finished third. That would prove to be his final top 10 at the Masters, with his last appearance coming in 2009.
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