The Best Rounds in Masters History

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We’ve already looked at the worst records in Masters history in this series. Today, as we get closer and closer, let’s look at some of the best. 

Augusta National is regarded as a true test of golf for the very best in the world; a test that a rare few have passed with flying colours. 

The record low for any round at Augusta National during the Masters is 63, or 9 under par.

The honour for having shot the best single round doesn’t go to any of the all time great winners of the tournament. 

Nick Price of Zimbabwe hit 63 in his third round in 1986. He claimed at the time that he could have done better if his hungover caddie hadn’t been giving him incorrect distances throughout the round.  

Ten years later, in 1996, Australian Greg Norman opened with a 63, matching the 9 under record held by Price. 

More from the countdown series: the history of the green jacket

It’s not just the winners who make history

Although great golfers, neither Price nor Norman were able to convert their record rounds into a tournament win and neither man would win a green jacket throughout their careers. In 1986, Price watched Jack Nicklaus win his record breaking 6th Masters. In 1996, Nick Faldo took his 3rd, still the most by any European.

Norman, who was 41 at the time, famously choked in the final round of the 1996 Masters after having maintained a six stroke lead ahead of Nick Faldo. 

There has been much speculation in the sports world since then about what caused one of golf’s most famous chokes. Reports since then suggest that overthinking and pressure to perform caused the decisive slipup on the last day.

He later told phycologist Rick Jensen that he “didn’t sleep a wink” on the Saturday night before his 78 in the final round. Faldo ended up winning by 5 strokes.

This article is part of our Countdown to The Masters series. Join us every day between now and April 7 for fun facts and interesting stories about golf and The Masters tournament.