Gene Sarazen’s Miraculous “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” at the 1935 Masters Tournament
The Jinx of Craig Wood
Craig Wood, a talented golfer known as the “Blond Bomber,” seemed to be haunted by bad luck. In 1933, he lost the British Open in a playoff after his drive found the Swilcan Burn. A year later, he finished second in the PGA Championship, again losing in a playoff. In 1935, he arrived at the second Augusta National Invitational Tournament as a favorite, but destiny had a cruel twist in store.
The Rise of Gene Sarazen
Gene Sarazen, a crafty veteran with six major tournament victories, was considered a serious contender for the 1935 Masters. He was known for his signature plus-fours attire and his superstitious nature. On the eve of the tournament, he received a lucky ring from a friend, which he believed would bring him good fortune.
The Fateful 15th Hole
On the final round of the tournament, Wood held a three-stroke lead over Sarazen with only four holes remaining. As Sarazen approached the 15th tee, he knew he needed a miracle to catch up. He asked his caddie what he needed to win, and the response was daunting: “Four threes.”
The “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”
Undeterred, Sarazen pulled out his lucky ring and rubbed it on his caddie’s head for luck. He then unleashed a powerful shot with his four-wood, aiming for the pin on the 485-yard hole. The ball landed on the front of the green and began to roll, slowly but surely, towards the cup. To the astonishment of the crowd, it disappeared into the hole for a double eagle two.
The Aftermath
Sarazen’s miraculous shot tied him with Wood for the lead, forcing a 36-hole playoff on Monday. Despite Wood’s valiant efforts, Sarazen’s steady play and two more birdies on the last three holes gave him a five-stroke victory.
The End of Wood’s Jinx
Wood never expressed bitterness about his defeat, acknowledging that Sarazen’s shot was simply too extraordinary. However, the “jinx” label continued to follow him, as he eventually became the first golfer to lose all four major championships in extra holes. Ironically, he broke the jinx by winning the 1941 Masters Tournament and the U.S. Open in the same year, proving that even the most cursed golfers can overcome adversity.
The Legacy of Sarazen’s Shot
Sarazen’s double eagle remains one of the most iconic moments in golf history, forever etched in the annals of the Masters Tournament. In 1955, the Augusta National Golf Club built the Sarazen Bridge at the edge of the pond in front of the 15th hole to honor the Squire and his legendary shot.
The Importance of Superstition and Mental Fortitude in Golf
Sarazen’s lucky ring and his unwavering belief in his abilities highlight the role of superstition and mental fortitude in golf. The game often tests a player’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity. Whether it’s a lucky charm or a visualization technique, many golfers find solace and confidence in these rituals.