Most Iconic Masters Playoff Comebacks

In the most dramatic playoff in Masters history, Sergio Garcia birdied the 18th hole in the second extra period to defeat Justin Rose by a single stroke. This victory ended a 11-year major drought for Garcia, providing one of the most emotionally charged conclusions to a major championship.

Often referred to as 'The Choke,' Greg Norman held a three-shot lead entering the final day but collapsed spectacularly while Nick Faldo surged ahead. Faldo's steady play secured his second Green Jacket, marking a pivotal moment in golf history regarding mental fortitude under pressure.

After sharing the lead for much of the final round, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas tied and went to a playoff. Spieth birdied the first playoff hole with a daring tee shot on 10, while Thomas hit his approach into the water, giving Spieth a clear path to victory.

Tiger Woods entered the final round six shots off the lead but fired a stunning 63 to force a playoff with Brooks Koepka. Woods won the playoff by birdieing the first extra hole, marking his fifth Masters title and his return to elite status after a long hiatus.

Hootie Johnson won his first major in a four-way playoff, but his memorable moment came when he famously high-fived his playing partner Chip Beck after securing par on the 18th hole to force the playoff. This act of sportsmanship became one of the most iconic images in Masters history.

At age 46, Jack Nicklaus became the oldest Masters champion by winning in a playoff against Greg Norman and Ray Floyd. He hit one of the greatest shots in golf history, a 9-iron that stopped inches from the cup on the 15th hole to stay in contention.

Larry Mize hit a legendary chip shot from off the green on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Greg Norman and Severiano Ballesteros. Although he lost the playoff to Ballesteros, the chip-in is widely considered one of the greatest shots in major championship history.

Ballesteros won his first major at age 23, coming from behind on the final day to tie Tom Watson and defeat him in a playoff. His aggressive play and skill under pressure announced him to the world and established him as a dominant force in European golf.

Although not a Masters event, this U.S. Open playoff is often grouped with unbelievable comebacks. Tiger Woods, battling knee injuries, forced a playoff with Rocco Mediate and won on the second extra hole with a crucial putt, showcasing his competitive spirit.

Phil Mickelson defeated Ernie Els in a playoff at the Masters, sinking a crucial birdie putt on the first extra hole. This win was significant as it marked Mickelson's breakthrough major victory after years of close calls and high expectations.

Ben Crenshaw won his second Masters in a playoff against Davis Love III, just weeks after the death of his beloved caddie and friend, Floyd Hall. His emotional celebration and perfect putting on the back nine secured one of the most heartwarming victories in golf.

Raymond Floyd defeated Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf in a three-man playoff to win his first major. His victory was notable as it broke Nicklaus's dominance at the time and established Floyd as a premier golfer on the PGA Tour.

Gary Player won the Masters in a playoff against Kel Nagle, marking his first major championship. This win signaled the arrival of an international star and began Player's era of dominance in major championships throughout the 1960s.

Kel Nagle won the 1960 Masters in a historic four-day playoff against Arnold Palmer, which lasted four hours and 12 minutes. Although he lost in 1961, this event set the stage for the intense rivalry between Nagle and Palmer at Augusta National.

Craig Wood defeated Henry Picard in a playoff to win the Masters, marking one of the earliest significant playoff victories in the tournament's history. Wood's performance highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the field during the pre-war era.