One of the best putters in the game, Ben Crenshaw won multiple titles when he was at the top of his game. However, his victory at the 1995 Masters touched everyone’s hearts.

Just days after the death of his lifelong instructor Harvey Penick, Crenshaw lifted his second Masters title. It came against all odds but he felt a supernatural presence guiding him throughout.

“Any of you at home with kids who’ve seen Angels in the Outfield,” Peter Kostis said while Crenshaw putted on the 10th hole. “You’d be hard pressed to believe there wasn’t an angel at Augusta.” 

Just a day before the tournament began, Crenshaw and his compatriot Tom Kite were pallbearers at Penick’s funeral. Penick had not been in good health before he passed away but the news still came across as a shock to Crenshaw.

Crenshaw’s love for the game was instilled by Penick and his demise affected the golfer heavily. However, the two-time major winner kept his focus as he grabbed a tie for a lead before the closing round.

“I had a 15th club in my bag,” Crenshaw said. “And it was Harvey.” 

In the final round, Crenshaw scored 68 and that was enough to secure him the Green Jacket. Crenshaw edged fellow American Davis Love III by a stroke and what followed, teared everyone in the crowd.

Crenshaw dropped his putter on the 18th green and couldn’t hold back his tears. He sobbed alongside his caddie, Carl Jackson and dedicated the win to the person he looked up to. 

Interestingly, the 1995 Masters was Tiger Woods’ first major championship. 

An emerging Woods at the 1995 Masters

A 19-year-old Tiger Woods featured in his first major championship at Augusta in 1995. As things unfolded, the youngster gave more than a decent performance.

Woods finished tied for 41st and was the only amateur in the lineup to make the cut.

“It is here that I left my youth behind and became a man. For that I will be eternally grateful,” Woods wrote in a letter to the officers, tournament staff and members of Augusta National after the tournament.

He even stated in the letter that due to the Masters, it was “the most wonderful week of my life.” 

The 1995 Masters was Crenshaw’s last victory on the tour and on the other hand, it was the first big event in the long, remarkable career of Woods.

What do you find most remarkable in Crenshaw’s victory at the 1995 Masters? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason