Mize Stuns at Masters with Incredible Comeback Win
By: Tom Hilbert, Golf Writer (USA Today, April 6, 1987)
In a thrilling conclusion to the 71st Masters Tournament, Doug Mize etched his name into the annals of Augusta National Golf Club history with a stunning comeback win. Mize, a 25-year-old journeyman golfer from California, trailed by four strokes with three holes to play, but somehow managed to conjure up a miracle.
As the crowd held its collective breath, Mize began his incredible run with a birdie on the 15th hole, followed by a clutch eagle on 16. His momentum was unstoppable, and by the time he arrived at the 17th tee, all hope seemed lost for his competitors. But Mize had other ideas. With a fierce determination etched on his face, he launched a majestic drive down the fairway, followed by a precision approach shot that dropped into the heart of the green. A birdie putt completed the eagle on 17, and Mize’s lead was now down to two strokes.
The final hole, the 18th, would prove to be Mize’s most daunting challenge. Trailing by two, Mize faced an uphill putt for birdie to take the lead. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as he lined up the shot, his hands shaking ever so slightly. Time seemed to slow as he made contact with the ball, and the crowd erupted as the ball rolled towards the hole. A gentle slope and a gentle roll, and the ball dropped into the cup with a soft clunk.
Mize’s winning putt sparked jubilation throughout the Augusta crowd. The 25-year-old’s improbable victory will be remembered for years to come as one of the greatest comebacks in Masters history.
Player Bio: Doug Mize
- Full Name: Douglas James Mize
- Birthdate: March 21, 1962
- Hometown: Sacramento, California
- Height: 5’10"
- Weight: 170 lbs
- Nationality: American
- Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour member since 1984
- Wins: 3
- Notable Achievements: Winner, 1987 Masters Tournament; Runner-up, 1983 U.S. Amateur; Member, U.S. Amateur Team (1981)
Masters Tournament Statistics
- Leaderboard:
- Doug Mize: 281 (-7)
- Nick Faldo: 283 (-5)
- Seve Ballesteros: 284 (-4)
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,437 yards
- Winner’s Share: $180,000
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