The Masters: Greatest Champions in Tournament History

Sam Snead (winner in 1949, 1952 and 1954)

When the conditions at Augusta National were their toughest, there was one thing that was for sure – that Sam Snead would be in contention. While the scores for some winners in the 1940s and 1950s were seven, eight or nine under par, Snead was more likely to be in contention when the scores were closer to par.

In his first win in 1949, Snead claimed the Masters title with a 6-under par score, three strokes ahead of Johnny Bulla and Lloyd Mangrum. In 1952, Snead was the only player in the field under par, as his 2-under par score was four shots ahead of Jack Burke, Jr. Strong winds and cool temperatures wreaked havoc on the field over the weekend, including defending champion Ben Hogan, who was in contention until he shot a 79 on Sunday.

In Snead’s final win at Augusta National, he shot a 1-over par score to tie with Hogan after 72 holes of play. In those days, a playoff was an 18-hole affair that was held on Monday. Imagine going to a playoff and seeing Sam Snead against Ben Hogan. That’s exactly what happened in 1954. Hogan actually held the lead until Snead birdied the 10th hole. But Snead bogeyed 12 to fall back into a tie before recording birdie on 13. He would never trail again, ultimately bogeying the 18th hole but still winning by one.

Snead won a record 82 PGA Tour events, including seven major championship titles. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, an honor well-deserved by one of the greatest champions of all-time.