The final battle

This year’s Masters marks twenty years since one of the most dramatic final round collapses in a Major. Greg Norman’s losing of a six shot lead to Nick Faldo was the most painful of sporting occasions. At several previous Masters Norman had been in prime position to claim the Green Jacket only to be eclipsed, but this was by far the most self-inflicted defeat. His closing 78 turned a six shot lead into a five stroke loss, a staggering reversal of fortune.

Neither man would win another Major. Norman would come close on a few occasions. Faldo entered a decline. The 1996 Masters was an end of an era for both men and for their rivalry. Although the commiserating hug from Faldo was for the beaten man, it could have been a farewell from golfing gladiators.

Since the 1990 Open, when Faldo also blew Norman away, the two had competed for top ranking and tournaments, notably the 1993 Open won by Norman in style. The two contrasting styles made for great rivalry newspaper copy. Faldo – the grinder, who rarely played a loose shot and relentlessly and flawlessly amassed pars and birdies. Norman – the cavalier, with aggressive driving, attacking shots and the capability to launch storming final rounds. Faldo was the dedicated loner pro before most pros turned into this character. Norman was the powerful driver before club technology allowed all pros to drive like this.

There is nothing to say that the rivalry was personal, but in golfing terms, it was fierce. As the rivalry concluded twenty years ago, Faldo recalls his feeling then: 'The only time I felt sorry for someone I'd beaten'

1996 saw Faldo’s last Major and he would never be close again, missing the next three cuts. The crowning of Tiger Woods the following year by Faldo was a real passing of the baton moment. The player of the 1990s handing over to the player of the 2000s.

It was also an end of an era for European success. Apart from Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999, Europeans have failed to win the Masters since, and haven’t been close. Prior to 1996, Europe’s Big Five all dominated Masters tournaments. Faldo’s win was the seventh in nine Masters. 

1996 was a great tournament, but also a sad one. Personal pain over losing was matched by the end of a great period for golf.