Countdown to the Masters 2011 – Day 47: Greg Norman v Nick Faldo in 1996

Welcome to Day 47 of the Today’s Golfer Countdown to The Masters 2011. Every day from February 17th until the big day when the season’s first Major tees off, April 7th, we will be bringing you some of our favourite memorable moments from The Masters since the tournament started in 1934.

For pure, raw drama this was tough to beat and was arguably the most astonishing final round of any major championship in history. The Great White Shark led by six shots with one round to play, and then collapsed and fell apart like a wet fish finger, eventually losing by 5.

With one round to play Faldo said: “I’m a long way back. It’s all to gain and nothing to lose. I’m just going out to play, and if it comes off well, I’ll put a lot of pressure on him”. But, no one (including Faldo himself) really thought he could apply enough pressure.

However, Norman’s collapse started early; and after dropping shots at the 1st, 4th and 9th, he found himself only two shots ahead of Faldo.

When the realisation hit him that he could throw everything away; the wheels really did start to fall off.

The Australian dropped more shots at the 10th and the 11th; and now his lead had completely evaporated.

At the short 12th, Norman found the water with his tee shot (just as he had done in the third round) and a double bogey followed. It was painful to watch, whoever you were supporting.

At the 16th, he hooked a 6-iron deep into the water. It all added up to a 78 and the worst final round of any Masters leader. Faldo shot a 67 and said afterwards: “I hope people remember what I did, and not what Greg did.” Little hope of that.  

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