Larry Mize presented Sandy Lyle with the green jacket in 1988. Thirty-five years later, they departed Augusta National together.
AUGUSTA, Ga — Larry Mize presented Sandy Lyle with the green jacket in 1988. Thirty-five years later, they departed Augusta National together.
As Mize concluded his second round of the 87th Masters Tournament on Saturday morning, Lyle was waiting behind No. 18 green; the two embraced and then Sandy handed Larry a tissue.
“That was very special for Sandy to come out and greet me there,” Mize said. “Sandy’s a good friend, a great champion, and to finish off with him is pretty cool.”
As a steady rain pelted down, Mize walked up No. 18 to a standing ovation. His playing partners, Harrison Crowe and Min Woo Lee, waited in the fairway and allowed the 1987 champion to walk alone toward the 18th green.
“It was just really cool to sneak back there and watch his last hole,” said Henley, who played multiple practice rounds with Mize this week. “Living in Columbus the last four years, he’s been a mentor and father figure for me. He’s somebody I look up to a lot.”
In addition to winning in 1987, which earned Mize a lifetime exemption here, he finished third in 1994 and tied for sixth in 1992. His last made cut came in 2017.
No, Mize’s body of work won’t be stamped among the all-time greats: One win. Three top-10s. Twenty missed cuts. As Larry admits, “I don’t belong in the same sentence as most of these guys.”
But what Mize owns is a moment. A MacGregor sand wedge that bounced twice up the bank, hopped once on the green, rolled 60 feet and vanished.
Mize’s 1987 playoff win came at the expense of Greg Norman and Seve Ballesteros.
Larry Mize celebrates his chip-in birdie on No. 11 to beat Greg Norman in a Masters playoff in 1987. Photo by Joe Benton/Associated Press
“The next week at Hilton Head, I saw Greg in the locker room, and I just told him, ‘You handled it like a champion,’” Mize recalled. “I thought he handled everything really well because that’s tough. He feels like he’s in good shape, and I pitch it in. I know he hated it.”
When asked how being a Masters champion shaped his life, Mize said, “I don’t think it changed me as a person, but other than that, it changed a lot. It gave me opportunities — the recognition I’ve gotten. It’s amazing to win the Masters, and then to do it in that fashion, just enhanced it. It changed my life for the better, no doubt.”
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The Augusta native birdied No. 3 and played his first nine in 38. The second nine, however, went south.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Larry Mize was even on Thursday after four holes. Then, Augusta National dug its teeth.
Competing in his final Masters Tournament, the 1987 winner played his final 14 holes in plus-seven for an opening 79.
“There’s a reason why this is my last Masters,” Mize said. “I haven’t played in a tournament in a while and my game is not where I’d like it to be.”
The Augusta native birdied No. 3 and played his first nine in 38. The second nine, however, went south with bogies on Nos. 10, 11, 12, 15 and 18.
“It’s a challenge to get around this golf course at my age, and I enjoy that,” Mize said. “I enjoy the challenge of trying to work it around and put it in spots I know.”
Mize noted Tuesday’s Champions Dinner, where he was asked to stand and address the table. According to Mize, he was pre-warned about his speech, but as the moment arrived, nerves became all-encompassing.
“I knew it was going to be tough, and I felt pretty good until the time came,” he said. “Standing in front of all those guys and being in that room, I just couldn’t get it out.”
Looking ahead to Friday, Mize said of his final competitive round, “Tomorrow will be a tough day. I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know where the emotions will be, but it’ll be special.”
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“Normally, it’s a late tee time on Sunday. More so than the Champions Dinner. The late tee time just excites me.”
The Masters lights up the golf world every April, its spiritual setting warming hearts around the globe. Among the awakening are the players who take to the architectural gem framed by an explosion of colors. To the man, they love to talk about the unparalleled tournament between the Georgia Pines at Augusta National Golf Club.
The gathering every spring is matchless, from the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt competition through the ceremony at Butler Cabin.
Ahead of the 86th Masters, Golfweek conducted its annual survey, this year getting takes on many things Masters from 25 players, nine of whom have won a green jacket, 12 major champions in all.
Today’s questions:
What was the experience like driving down Magnolia Lane for the first time?
“I was at the University of Georgia, a freshman. We played Augusta National once a year. We didn’t have cellphones back then. We had disposable cameras. As soon as we turned onto Magnolia Lane, it was click, click, click, click.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“It was 1959. Probably about two weeks before the tournament. Drove down with my friend, Robin Obetz, who was my best man in my wedding the next year. I didn’t know what Magnolia Lane was. It was pretty impressive to start with. We were pretty overwhelmed by it. I didn’t know you couldn’t bring guests onto the property. But Alec Osborne (a member) took care of everything. It was seamless. I still get shivers thinking about that first time. It was a thrill then and it’s a thrill now. What amazes me about Magnolia Lane more than anything is that the trees look exactly the same to me now as they did back in 1959.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus
“It was the week before my first Masters last year and I remember I had some Mexican music going on down Magnolia Lane. It was pretty cool.” – Abraham Ancer
“It was incredible. Way exceeded expectation. It’s crazy. It like golf Disney World.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“It was great. You’re not supposed to have your phone out. But we did. I still remember it. Driving down Magnolia Lane never disappoints.” – Jason Day
“It was ’85. I was 19. And I was really impressed. When you get to the gate, you see all of the magnolia trees and the clubhouse at the very end with a yellow flag around the roundabout. Really impressive. Still is today.” – Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal
“It was crazy. It’s funny because it looks exactly like the pictures, which sounds stupid, but some things don’t live up to it and it did, and it was cool. It’s such an unassuming entrance. But it’s like, wow, this is Augusta National. You wait so long to do it. You almost overhype it, but you know, it was awesome.” – Max Homa
A view of the locked gates at the entrance of Magnolia Lane off Washington Road that leads to the clubhouse of Augusta National on March 30, 2020 in Augusta, Georgia. The Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals has been postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“It was surreal. It was much shorter than I expected it to be. I was expecting it to meander for some time. But what unravels on the other side of the clubhouse is incredible.” – Justin Rose
“It was in 1970. Driving down Magnolia Lane was, you know, it was all that was hyped up to me. It was beautiful. And it still is exciting to drive down Magnolia Lane. You go down that dark, shadowy lane. Those magnolia trees have grown so, so big that it’s dark going through there, but you see the clubhouse, that white clubhouse at the end, and it’s quite a sight.” – Two-time Masters champion Tom Watson
“I was able to take dad to play before the ’05 Masters and when we drove down Magnolia Lane together it was so special. I’ll never forget it. Then playing the golf course, taking the pictures on the bridges, everything about that day was great. Then I got to play with my hero, Fred Couples, in a practice round in my first Masters that year, so it was a pretty great year.” – Ryan Palmer
“I still get goosebumps thinking about it. I get goosebumps every time I make that turn off Washington Road. There’s a lot more security than there used to be when I when I first drove down there, but the drive is still the same and I feel like a kid all over again making that drive.” – Matt Kuchar
“It was very surreal. It felt like I was in a dreamland. I drove 1 or 2 mph and the guards were looking at me and they didn’t blink because they knew exactly what was happening.” – Xander Schauffele
“It was October of 2013 and I didn’t have my phone out. I was like, ‘I just want to soak this in.’ I had gone the year before as a spectator on the Monday and knew right away it was my favorite course. But that first time on Magnolia Lane was pretty special. We actually played Pine Valley earlier in the day. Pretty good day.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“I was playing with the Wake Forest team, my junior year and like typical college kids, we were in the van. One of the guys in the van put in the Masters theme song and we drove down Magnolia Lane. It was the most college, most college guy thing ever, but it was awesome.” – Will Zalatoris
“It was a Saturday in 2014 before the Masters and it was just pretty cool. You sort of take it all in. I enjoy it more or appreciate it more now than I did then. Just for the fact that you know it’s just a special place and to be able to play there year in year out, to be on hollowed grounds and think about who’s played here and who’s driven down this road before, it’s pretty amazing.” – Billy Horschel
“Oh, wow. Very special. The funny thing is it’s no different, almost no different now. I guess it was more special that first time. But even now it is unbelievable and very special every time I drive down there.” – 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize
“Our college team got to go when I was at Vanderbilt. Just an unbelievable experience driving down Magnolia Lane, seeing the clubhouse through the little corridor and something just happens to you. It’s your first time and you really want to play well, and you start thinking about all the shots you want to hit and you kind of get stuck in the moment. I wanted to hit a great shot on 12, wanted to go for it on 13 and 15. It all starts on Magnolia Lane.” – Brandt Snedeker
“I was in high school, 2005 or 2006, and it was incredible. I’d been to a couple Masters before; that’s really the only tournament I’ve ever watched since I was 5 or 6. That’s kind of what got me into golf. And then I’m going down Magnolia Lane. It still gives you goosebumps even to this day, just the history of that place and the feeling you get that you’ve kind of made it.” – Harris English
“It was pretty special. It’s my favorite course in the world and it never gets old but driving in there for the first time I think you’re a bit taken aback by the security when you first pull in. And then you drive as slowly as you can.” – Graeme McDowell
“It was 1988. It was so cool and it’s still cool. It is something special. All the Magnolias, the azaleas. It gave me sort of some insight to what I wanted to do to my house.” – 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam
What is the one thing you look forward to the most about the Masters?
“In many ways it is the start of the golfing season. It certainly is the start of the major championship season. Even though I don’t play anymore, it’s fun to be there. It’s fun to go to the Masters dinner. I’m done with the Par 3, but toward the end of my career, I used to play every year. But I just can’t play anymore. And then there is the honor of hitting the opening tee shot alongside Gary Player. Now, with the addition of our good friend, Tom Watson, that will be nice. I enjoy seeing everybody. It’s like a reunion.” – Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus
Honorary starter Gary Player greets Jack Nicklaus at the 1st tee during the first round of The Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
“I just love the creativity you need to play that golf course. I love golf courses where you have many options around the greens.” – Abraham Ancer
“The atmosphere of the tournament., the roars, the buzz.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“Ooh. There’s so much. Seeing all the locker room guys is great, they are always so grateful and happy to see us and we’re happy to see them. That vibe in the clubhouse I love.” – Justin Rose
“It’s hard to pick one. I’ll give you two. The Champions Dinner. I look forward to the stories from the past champions. And the Par-3 Contest with the little ones. I still have a picture to this day of being on the first tee and Mr. Player was in the group in front and he’s on the practice green doing magic tricks with (daughter) Windsor Wells. It doesn’t get any better than that.” – 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed
“The opportunity to contend. Having a chance to win the green jacket on Sunday afternoon is as good a feeling as anything in golf.” – Marc Leishman
“I think it’s the fans. For some reason the fans are so knowledgeable and courteous. It feels like you have gone back in time. And those roars are something else.” – Matt Kuchar
“I think it’s just being on the golf course. I think it’s just walking those fairways. It’s my favorite course in the world. It’s very hard to have the perfect golf course, and to me, Augusta approaches perfection.” – Graeme McDowell
“The thrill of competition. Being in contention on Sunday, there’s just no other place like it with the roars and the crowds. The biggest challenge is how you are going to handle your emotions.” – Xander Schauffele
“Normally, it’s a late tee time on Sunday. More so than the Champions Dinner. The late tee time just excites me.” – 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth
“I get to play on Sunday’s because I’m a past champion. I remember my wife asked me after I won if I could bring a guest on Sunday. It was like a year away. Playing with my wife at Augusta National is very special. And who doesn’t look forward to putting on the green jacket when you go and sit at your locker.” – Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson
“I think it’s just the buzz. I mean, there’s a million things that make it great. I mean, I’m sure some guys have probably even mentioned the food and going around Amen Corner and skipping balls on 16. But I think it’s just, when you get there and you hop out of the car in the player lot, the buzz just hits you. There’s nothing like it.” – Will Zalatoris
“There are so many things. But the Par 3 tournament is one big deal. Just the whole experience of being there is amazing. You can talk about the sandwiches, you can talk about skipping the ball at 16, you can talk about whatever. And seeing all the past champions. Everything’s cool.” – Kevin Na
Kevin Na’s daughter, Sophia Ria, is seen during the Par 3 Contest for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Augusta National/The Masters)
“Probably just seeing all the friends and family that I’ve grown up with. I did the experience from outside the ropes growing up there, and now being on the inside is special.” – Kevin Kisner
“I just really enjoy playing the course. The stretch from No. 12 through No. 16 is incredible every single time I play it. That’s my favorite stretch of any golf course. And there’s so much more. You get to know the locker room staff, the food’s incredible, the people are so nice. They’ll literally do anything for you. And it’s cool for me to have a lot of family and friends come in to town. It’s such a great week, I hope I get to play in 10, 15 more.” – Harris English
The 2020 Masters is set for Nov. 12-15, meaning Tiger Woods has waited 19 months to defend his title.
Tiger Woods was supposed to defend his Masters title in April, but the COVID-19 global pandemic turned life upside down.
The 2020 Masters is now set for Nov. 12-15, meaning Woods has waited 19 months to defend his title.
He has five green jackets and his quest for a record-tying sixth will begin on Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.
The anticipation is somewhat tempered. Woods’ performances in 2020 leave something to be desired. The two events he’s played on the 2020-21 schedule feature a missed cut at the U.S. Open and a T-72 (out of 77 golfers) at the Zozo Championship.
But this is Tiger and Augusta we’re talking about. No one should ever count out Tiger Woods at Augusta National, according to other former Masters winners.
At the PGA Tour Champions Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Phoenix Country Club this week, the 81-man field features eight former Masters champs. Several of them made plans to travel down on the same charter Sunday night after the 54-hole event concludes. Others, like Larry Mize, who is traveling with his wife, will find other ways to get to Magnolia Lane.
But they’ll all be there. Here’s what some past Masters champs are saying about Tiger Woods.
Fred Couples , Tiger Woods and Matt Parziale during a practice round for the 2018 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Photo by Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Fred Couples
1992 Masters champion
“I talk to him every day. We’re playing Monday. I’ve got to get there and get tested, somehow get my test back fast so I can join he and JT.”
Couples then chuckled when he said: “He’s wound up. He’s sent a couple pictures, he’s a funny guy. I think he’ll be just fine.
“He loves the place. He can play there at any given time, it just depends on really how he feels and I can relate to that, but whereas when I don’t feel well, I can still slap it around, but when you’re the greatest player to ever play, it kind of wears on you a little bit. But he’ll get used to it and if he’s feeling healthy, he’ll be one of the 10 or 15 guys to beat.”
Larry Mize
1987 Masters champion
“Always gotta expect good from Tiger. Whatever’s been going on, he’s a great player. He loves Augusta National, it’s a great course for him, so you gotta expect him to play well.”
Bernhard Langer
1985, 1993 Masters champion
“He can’t be happy with his season, I wouldn’t think, especially after winning Augusta last year. We all thought ‘Well, he’s back,’ roaring again, but it hasn’t quite been that way.
“But I don’t count him out. He loves the golf course, knows it. His short game is always phenomenal. If he’s got his long game together he could still defend his title.”
Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara during their Tuesday practice round ahead of the 2002 Masters Tournament. (Photo by Tim Dillon/USA TODAY Sports)
Mark O’Meara
1998 Masters Champion
“Never count Tiger Woods out of anything. I know he hasn’t played the way he wants to for the last, maybe month and a half, but he’s Tiger Woods. It’s Augusta National. And he seems to play pretty good around there. He’s got a lot of experience. I wouldn’t count him out.”
Mike Weir
2003 Masters champion
“I think he’ll put up a good defense. A guy like Tiger knows the golf course very well and he always gears up for the big tournaments and seems to – the great ones show up and I suspect he’ll find a way to get in the mix.”
José Maria Olazábal
1994, 1999 Master champion
“He feels really comfortable on that golf course. I have to say he knows the golf course really well. I don’t know really how his game is, but somehow he manages to get the best of it when he plays the Masters.
What is it about Tiger and Augusta? “The knowledge of the course, first of all. You need to have a great touch around the greens, you have to shape the ball either way. And I remember that when I played with him, I think it was 2001, 2002, I think it was on the Saturday, I mean, he proved that he had all the tools to win there. I think he feels comfortable on that golf course.”
