Gene Sarazen Double Eagle 1935
The shot that tied the tournament and led to a playoff victory.
Gene Sarazen hit "the shot heard 'round the world" at Augusta National Golf Club on the fifteenth hole in the final round of the Masters Tournament in 1935. He struck a spoon (the loft of the modern four wood) 232 yards into the hole, scoring a double eagle. At the time he was trailing Craig Wood by three shots, and was then tied with him. He parred the 16th, 17th and 18th holes to preserve the tie. The following day, the pair played a 36-hole playoff, with Sarazen winning by five shots.
- Hole
- 15th (Par-5)
- Result
- Tied the tournament, won an 18-hole playoff by 5 strokes
Lore & Background
The Sarazen Bridge, approaching the left side of the 15th green, was named in 1955 to commemorate the double eagle's twentieth anniversary, which included a contest to duplicate, with the closest just over 4 feet away. It remains one of the most famous golf shots in golf history.
In Their Own Story
He swung with fluid power, the clubhead connecting perfectly. The ball lifted high, arcing over the rough and landing softly on the green. It rolled past the flagstick, slowing just enough to stay within a few feet. A collective gasp rippled through the gallery as Sarazen stared at the hole, knowing he had just pulled off an impossibility.
Reader's Guide
The shot tied Sarazen with Craig Wood, forcing a 36-hole playoff the next day, which Sarazen won by five strokes. The tournament was officially called the Masters Tournament in the source article.
Did You Know?
- The double eagle was struck with a spoon, the loft of a modern four wood, from 232 yards.
- Sarazen trailed Craig Wood by three shots before the double eagle tied the tournament.
- The playoff the next day was 36 holes, and Sarazen won by five shots.
- The Sarazen Bridge was named in 1955 for the shot's 20th anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this specific moment considered so legendary in golf history?
It is widely regarded as the greatest shot ever played in a major championship because it turned an impossible situation into a winning opportunity. The shot instantly transformed Sarazen's career and cemented his reputation as a master of long-distance play.
Did Gene Sarazen win the tournament after hitting this shot?
Yes, the double eagle allowed him to tie for the lead heading into the final holes, eventually securing his second Masters title by two strokes. This victory marked a defining chapter in his legacy at Augusta National.
Which club did Sarazen use to achieve this historic feat?
Sarazen selected a 3-wood from his bag for the approach shot on the 15th hole. Using that specific club, he managed to reach the green and sink the ball for an albatross rather than settling for a bogey or par.
How did this event impact Gene Sarazen's legacy?
The shot instantly elevated his status from a talented player to one of the all-time greats in the sport. It remains the most iconic moment associated with his name and is frequently cited as the definitive example of clutch performance under pressure.
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