The Masters: 5 of the Best Final-Round Putts at Augusta

Augusta represents one of the toughest tests in golf. The course is unforgiving, and if you aren’t careful, it can chew you up and spit you out. Renowned for its ultra-fast greens, which often play as quick as 15 on the Stimpmeter, negotiating them is easier said than done.

The 2026 edition of the Masters promises to be another thrilling affair, full of twists and turns.

To whet your appetite for the opening Major of the campaign, we’ve decided to reminisce on five of the most jaw-dropping, clutch putts in previous final rounds of the Masters that continue to be talked about today.

Tiger Woods left an indelible mark on the Masters. Who could forget his stunning 12-shot win in 1997, which represented his rise to prominence?

Anyway, the 2005 Masters will go down in the annals. Having blown a two-shot lead over Chris DiMarco, the pressure was on Woods heading down the 18th in the first play-off hole. 

After hitting two perfect shots, Woods left himself with 15 feet for birdie. The American rolled home an immaculate putt that disappeared down the centre of the cup to seal the win, and he roared in delight to take the acclaim of the patrons following his fourth Augusta triumph. A special moment for a very special player!

Laying claim to being golfing’s true GOAT, Jack Nicklaus was extremely gifted, and he transcended the sport. The ‘Golden Bear’, as he was affectionately known, produced one of our favourite moments in 1986.

Nicklaus was a fabulous lag putter, and on the 17th, he struck a pure putt that required little break. Raising his flatstick as he charged towards the flag, the putt dropped in, and Nicklaus had won a record sixth Masters crown and an 18th Major title, of which both records remain unsurpassed.

This iconic moment continues to impact golf betting, as Nicklaus’ victory remains one of the most memorable in Masters history.

Sir Nick Faldo, who was one of the best British golfers ever, had his fair share of Masters joy. In 1989, he jostled with Scott Hoch in a captivating play-off.

Hoch had what appeared to be a routine putt from two feet to win the Masters, but he fluffed his lines. Faldo made no mistake on the second play-off hole, holing a monster of his putt to cap off an incredible comeback and make his first trip to The Butler Cabin.

Although this wasn’t a tournament clincher, Ben Crenshaw warrants a place on our carefully curated list. Faced with a daunting 60-foot putt on the 10th, one of the toughest holes on the back nine, Crenshaw produced a smooth putt that turned what could have been a bogey into a birdie.

Crenshaw’s adept ability with the flatstick that day saw him surge to the title with a final total of 277.

Saddled at the time with the tag of being one of the finest players not to win a Major, Phil Mickelson changed all that at Augusta in 2004.

Going into the 72nd hole, Mickelson was tied at the top with the clubhouse leader Ernie Els, who had posted a fabulous final round of 67. Mickelson came alive in the final nine, making four birdies.

His coup de grace came at the last, where he hit a stunning approach shot to within 18 feet of the flag. Mickelson then snaffled a tricky putt, which tickled down the hill into the hole, and it capped off a superb week for the American.

The Masters is known for its high drama, and the final-round putts at Augusta are often what make or break the tournament. From Tiger Woods’ crucial 2005 birdie to Jack Nicklaus’ iconic putt in 1986, these clutch moments have left an indelible mark on golf history.

For those following these iconic moments, well-known bookmakers provide a range of betting opportunities on the tournament’s thrilling finishes.