Greg Norman entered the final round of the 1996 Masters with history within reach. Instead, April 14, 1996, became the most defining day of his career.

Norman had already built a reputation for close calls in majors. By then, he had finished runner-up in majors eight times, including painful losses at the Masters in 1986 and 1987.

Still, 1996 felt different. He led the field in greens in regulation through three rounds and looked calm, controlled, and confident. That confidence unraveled quickly. Early mistakes off the tee and short irons that failed to carry their numbers began to chip away at his lead. Augusta’s back nine exposed every hesitation. 

The Australian held a six-shot lead after 54 holes, the largest heading into a Sunday at Augusta National since Jack Nicklaus in 1975.

Greg Norman had taken an early lead by shooting a course-record-tying 63 in the first round and setting a Masters record of 12-under through 36 holes. But on Sunday, Norman struggled badly in one of the most memorable collapses in Masters history.

Faldo stayed steady and closed with a 67, while Norman shot a 78. With the win, Faldo became the sixth player to win the Masters at least three times.

Rivisting the moment, Greg Norman recalled while writing for Golf.com, "Over the years, I’ve talked to hundreds of people who seem to know that day better than I do, and I know it pretty well. The second shot into 9 that spun off the green. The chip shot for eagle on 15 that didn’t go in. The fat iron on 16 that went in the pond and ended the day. From there to the 18th hole, it was like a funeral out there."

And despite this, Faldo felt bad for Norman

While Norman struggled, Faldo played textbook championship golf. He shot a flawless 67 on Sunday, hitting 13 greens and making clutch putts without forcing anything. Faldo did not win by being aggressive. He won by staying patient as Norman faltered.

Yet, immediately after the win, he went to Norman. "When it was over—I shot 78 and Nick shot 67 and won by five—he approached me and said, “I just want to give you a hug.” We each wrapped our arms around the other. He then said, “Don’t let the b******* get you down.”

And after dealing with the loser's pressroom, Norman found some grace in his loss. "My approach to life is to never look back, only forward and always be positive. I said to my friends, “Thank you for coming. Let’s move on. And let’s party!”

Written by

Dolly Bhamrick

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar