Best amateur finishes in masters history

The Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in professional golf, has a rich history of amateur golfers competing alongside the world’s top professionals. These talented amateurs have occasionally made a significant impact on the tournament. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best amateur finishes in Masters history.

1. Charles Coe (1961)

Charles Coe, an American amateur golfer, had a remarkable performance in the 1961 Masters Tournament. He finished in a tie for second place, just one stroke behind the champion, Gary Player. Coe’s excellent performance included rounds of 71-70-71-70. His second-place finish remains one of the best by an amateur in Masters history.

2. Ken Venturi (1956)

Ken Venturi, another notable amateur golfer, showcased his skills at the 1956 Masters Tournament. Venturi secured a tie for second place alongside Sam Snead, trailing only Jack Burke Jr., who won the event. Venturi’s performance marked him as one of the top amateurs to compete in the Masters.

3. Frank Stranahan (1947 and 1948)

Frank Stranahan, an accomplished amateur golfer, had back-to-back top-five finishes at the Masters in 1947 and 1948. He placed fourth in 1947 and improved to third in 1948. Stranahan’s consistent performances demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of professional golf.

4. Billy Joe Patton (1954)

Billy Joe Patton, a relatively unknown amateur at the time, captured the hearts of golf fans with his remarkable performance in the 1954 Masters Tournament. Patton narrowly missed winning the event, finishing in a tie for third place, just one shot behind the champion, Sam Snead. Patton’s near victory is often remembered as one of the most exciting moments in Masters history.

5. Ben Crenshaw (1972 and 1974)

Ben Crenshaw, who would go on to have a successful professional career, made his mark as an amateur at the Masters in 1972 and 1974. In 1972, Crenshaw tied for 19th place, and in 1974, he tied for 25th. These solid finishes laid the foundation for his future success at Augusta National, where he would later win two Green Jackets as a professional.

6. Bryson DeChambeau (2016)

Before becoming a dominant professional golfer, Bryson DeChambeau was an amateur standout. He made his Masters debut in 2016, finishing in a tie for 21st place. This strong performance foreshadowed his future success in professional golf, including winning the U.S. Open in 2020.

7. Sergio Garcia (1999)

While Sergio Garcia is now a household name in professional golf, his amateur performance at the 1999 Masters is worth noting. At just 19 years old, Garcia finished tied for 38th place. While this may not be as high as some of the other amateur finishes, it signaled the emergence of a young talent who would go on to win a Green Jacket in 2017 and have a storied career in professional golf.

8. Ryan Moore (2005)

Ryan Moore, an accomplished amateur golfer from the United States, had a memorable Masters debut in 2005. Moore finished tied for 13th place, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level of the game. His performance was a preview of his future success as a professional golfer.

9. Hideki Matsuyama (2011)

Before becoming the first Japanese player to win the Masters in 2021, Hideki Matsuyama competed as an amateur in the 2011 Masters Tournament. Matsuyama finished tied for 27th place, giving golf fans a glimpse of the talent that would eventually lead him to major championship glory.

10. John Augenstein (2020)

In recent history, John Augenstein’s performance as an amateur in the 2020 Masters Tournament garnered attention. Augenstein earned a spot in the field by reaching the finals of the U.S. Amateur Championship. He made the cut and finished tied for 55th place, providing a strong showing in one of golf’s most prestigious events.