Greg Norman was my idol growing up and I was introduced to golf at age 15 within 3 years I was down to 3. Watching how Greg lost the 1996 US Masters I will remember for the rest of my life we were all dissapointed that fateful Monday. Nick Flado sitting in the log cabin said He felt for Greg shows the class of the man. This defeat hurt us Aussies more than anything else. But Nick's closing round of 5 under 67 was just beautiful golf under the circumstances. Nick said he believed he had to shot 66 to have a chance. Norman shot 78. I knew after Norman doubled 12 it was over but in my heart I still held on. Great Win Nick.
At the end, that's the real Nick Faldo, a golfer through and through. His humility and respect for Greg Norman's fate that day will never be forgotten by real golf fans. He said it, when the chips are down, it becomes matchplay and he was 'the master' at that form of golf. Rock solid!
That long iron 2nd shot to 13, that he hit right on the button onto the green after indecision with 5 wood.. one of my favourite shots he's hit on way to his last major.. his mental strength though preshot routine..
That was the seminal moment towards destroying Norman's hopes. During the original broadcast I was 100% sure he had decided to lay up, as had Ken Venturi....while not as dramatic as Phil's shot from the straws, it was just as powerful.
I still feel as nervous watching this today as I do all of those years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting Nick and walking around Wentworth with him for 18 holes. A truly lovely man, despite people saying otherwise.
Hear hear. I'd be in Faldo's corner long before Mickelson - an immensely duplicitous golfer, and whom most pga players don't actually like to play with.
For some reason, I’ve been rewatching this quite often of late. I was glued to my television back in 1996. I miss watching Greg play. I keep hoping this has been just a 25 year bad dream and I’ll wake up to find out that Greg won.
Nick made so many great swings with long irons under major championship pressure, and the 2-iron to 13 was one of them, particularly after putting the 5-wood back in the bag.
The most intelligent Round of golf I've ever seen Nick hit the exact shots you're supposed to hit and placed the ball in the correct areas And played to his strengths Norman never looked comfortable
Fair play to Faldo. He was a cold fish on the course but you could tell he was feeling for Norman. Great sportsmanship from Greg, he acknowledged that Nick put a great round together. Class
Two phenomenal players. Faldo was absolutely ice cold when he had a sniff. So was Jack, so was Tiger. He always did genuinely care for his fellow players though.
I remember watching this as it happened... I wanted so much to see Norman win and to watch him just disintegrate was heartbreaking... absolutely heartbreaking... but he did it with such class and grace and was so generous to Faldo at the end... he showed, even in losing, what a champion is made of.
@@rrfamig Yeah. He was unraveling but then managed to birdie 13&15, so I thought he still had a chance. But once he splashed his tee shot on 16, it was a done deal. He should have at least 2 green jackets. In 1999 I thought he was going to finally do it, but that was the last time he really had a chance. The only bigger let down for me as a golf fan was Watson in 2009.
@@tlist1970 Watson 2009. That one hurts. I don’t care what anyone says I still count that as a win for Watson. He hit an incredible shot in the last hole on got unlucky.
Greg just began to play awful golf after the 7th hole, following that missed opportunity on the 6th for a birdie. The hook on 8, which by the way he also did in '86, was crucial as Faldo birdied to chip more away....then the 9th. Wow. It just looked like on EVERY hole in the back 9, Norman was falling apart. Faldo could have shot a 65 even, as a couple of his putts lipped out. That's how much of a rout this was. I still feel the original broadcast in my bones. I remember imagining how Greg would look in that jacket, and what he would say after waiting so long etc.. Not to be. It's not a Hollywood movie. Thanks for posting.
Was a fan of both players, both phenomenal golfers but Faldo definitely had Norman's number. For some reason Greg just couldn't get it done in majors, he could easily have won 4 or 5 more than his 2 but just seemed to make bad swings at the wrong time. Still a legend of the game and one of the best drivers of the golf ball ever⛳🏌️💪🏼
Ive gotta admit Greg Norman kept his cool in that final day because if it would've been me, Kevin Costner in Tin Cup would not have even come close to how many clubs I would've broken on that day!!
Unfortunately I wasn't able to watch this live, but I duid record it. I stayed away from the sports scores so I would watch it without knowing the outcome. I couldn't believe what I was watching. It was like watching a slow motion train wreck and was unbelievable. Kudo's to Nick because he played great. When they embraced on 18 Nick told Greg "Don't let the bastards get you down." referring to the media.
Norman's indecisive caddy was like a sledge to his confidence if that sequence is how the convo went all day. "If you think you can do it Greg, do that...but if you think the other is the play...do that..." Threw it all on Norman's psyche. With the right caddy, i.e. never drop "if" bombs, Greg would have won. It was a telling sequence, in my opinion.
@ Norman was well known for not listening to caddies, though. he would over rule their wisdom over and over. Even Steve Williams recounted a number of times Greg would just rip the driver or take a different shot on that would cost him against any advice. And that's his right as the player, of course. But perhaps just maybe, the caddy learned not to force Greg at an important moment? I don't know? I am just playing Devil's advocate.
@@tomgriffith8032 pretty sure it was Tony Navarro who is one of the best in the business, if Greg “wanted to do the other one” as he put it, then it was his right to do so
As a huge Faldo fan I remember that day as being one of the very best in my time watching sports . That said I felt sick for Greg Norman. He was Mr Golf to so many and played a brand of Golf probably not much seen at that time. That said for as much as people talk about his meltdown Faldos final round is often under played in the scenario. He was simply iceman. Two great all time players and I enjoyed watching them for many years.
My father and I just sat silent for about the last 2 hours as Norman melted down. I was 17 and I couldn't believe what I just watched. I thought there was no way he could lose. My father reminded me of his pushed 2nd shot at 18 in 1986 when birdie would have defeated his mentor, Jack and his putt at 18 that would have won it only to lose to the miracle chip by Larry Mize in 1987. He said, "Maybe he's not meant to win it.' That said, he handled it with an uncommon grace and class. If there was a list of the greatest players to not win the green jacket, he is number one on that list.
As much as this is remembered for Greg blowing it, it was a true masterclass in strategic golf by Faldo. It was simply one of the greatest final round performances in major championship history. The approach shots on the back nine were disciplined, sensible and steady, putting immense pressure on Norman to respond. Faldo ground his pace down to a standstill in order to make Greg suffer in the uneasiness. True brilliance!
Faldos demolition of Norman was phenomenal. I watched this live and loved Faldo's incredible performance. I remember him getting booed and heckled by a very pro Norman Gallery when he stepped away from a shot. Ultimately, Norman just couldn't take the heat. Faldo was perfect this day
Didn't Norman lose five shots in four holes while Faldo played each of those four holes at par, losing the lead in the process? That makes Norman's implosion more mind-blowing.
@@gynandroidhead Yeah its called golf. is not that mind blowing to lose 5 shots in 4 holes on a major championship course. happens almost every week on tour
Faldo hit some truly great shots, but the decision to go for the green on the 13th, after Norman had laid up and with what I believe was a 2 iron, Stands out to me, as the shot of a champion !!!
On the flip side, Norman saw Faldo's shot on 12 and then went for the pin even after his caddy said think of your target. So many mental errors and wrong decisions from Norman, probably made worse by playing with Faldo.
when my daughter started playing golf I introduced her to the trials and tribulations faced by Greg during his career. tough guy, but a great perspective on life with the most positive of attitudes in the face of adversity. she is now 20, plus 3 handicap. In Women's English Amateur she shot a 12 first hole and then a double par lead to a 50 on front 9, but then she came in with 34 back nine (scores are on record). worst score on front and best on the back! I believe her learning about Greg's positive attitude and keeping things in perspective helped.
You almost feel bad for Faldo as well….he couldn’t enjoy his victory as much as he should have because he was feeling genuine pain for Norman. This was a high point in sportsmanship. Both men showed out in a magnificent way.
Always been a Norman fan, but Faldo is a true champion. All 3 of his Masters wins he came from behind on Sunday. He shot a combined -15 on Sunday and came from behind a total of 14 strokes. Pretty amazing really
Faldo is probably my favorite player and my favorite swing to copy.... but let's be honest most of those wins were because the leaders choked the final day.
LifeOnHardMode um you realize despite Greg’s choking Faldo would have caught him anyway? He shot -5 which could have gotten him within 1 if Greg played even par
@@TheLocalLt Faldo played great, but if you saw Greg's other 3 rounds if he just did what he was supposed to he wouldn't have shot even par with some of the easy birdies on that course.
@@H0VA that is a fairly ignorant comment - the reason you practice so hard at that level is so when the pressure is on - you maintain what you do and it carries you thru -. MOST of Nicklaus's championships he just kept around and as it got closer to the end - the other players would falter and he would keep playing his game - it has always been that way .
Anyone who wants to know about sportsmanship and personal accountability should go back and look for Greg Norman's interviews following this Masters. No one ever "took it like a man" better than the Shark did after this devastating loss.
Was tough to watch, especially when he hooked it in the water on 16. But then again, happens to all the great ones; Arnold once blew a 7 shot lead in the US open one year, with 9 holes to play, losing to Billy Casper.
Anyone who wants to know about sportsmanship and personal accountability should go back and look for Greg Norman's interviews following this Masters. No one ever "took it like a man" better than the Shark did after this devastating loss.
Anyone who wants to know about sportsmanship and personal accountability should go back and look for Greg Norman's interviews following this Masters. No one ever "took it like a man" better than the Shark did after this devastating loss.
Faldo’s game was the epitome of efficiency at the highest level. Smooth and calculated. I find it fascinating that just one year later Tiger would make both Faldo’s game seemingly obsolete.
@@scottblanton3182 definitely hold his own. But I’ll never forget Faldo saying that if he was to mold a young player he would advise him to hit it hard accuracy later. Nick saw the writing on the wall. And this is from someone that loved the way Faldo changed his style, because he was quite long, for the sake of major championships. Colin Montgomery said Tiger was 50 yards by him in 97 when Tiger got his first major, that’s 4 clubs less into the greens. Pretty tough to beat especially when Tiger is arguably the best putter who ever wore spikes.
From the mid-'80s until Tiger turned pro in late '96, Greg Norman was the most gifted player on the planet. But Faldo was far stronger where it mattered most: between the ears.
It's hard not to feel sorry for Greg Norman; and Nick Faldo, after that shot that hit the water, just knows he's going to win--but he doesn't want to win like this...
The decision making by Faldo and Norman on the 13th hole here really showcases the brilliance of that hole. They were both faced with that “momentous” decision, as Bobby Jones called it, to go for the green or lay up. The new tee in 2023 really brought this kind of decision making back to this hole.
He probably said "Lighten up Greg..it could be much worse ....you're rich beyond your wildest imagination ...excuse me I need to go try on another new sportscoat".
You'll never find a bigger Greg Norman fan than me at 14. I rushed home from church anxious to watch the coronation. Instead it was a slow-trudge toward the Shark's demise. The memories of watching this are still a tiny bit haunting.
Picked the wrong side - Faldo was my hero (although I liked Norman, watched him a few times in the flesh). Faldo was so mentally strong, anyone going head to head usually came 2nd when it counted...but this really was one of the worst collapses I've seen
Between 1986 and 1996 , a total of 44 majors played with 8 wins from these guys. Add on the second and third places by each of them just shows how dominant they were during that golden period of golf.
YEAH of course it is - the next year - in the first round it got decimated - and was never the same again - As defending champion he was paired with the defending US Amateur champion - Tiger Woods - . Faldo really tried to intimidate him and Tiger shot 40 on the front nine - and then turned it on - I was watching the whole thing - Tiger shot 30 on the back nine - and completely blew Faldo's mind - and game he was never the same after it - and was a broadcaster within 5 more years he, he, he, he
I don't think there was a player in the world more equipped for this spot than Faldo. Against the #1 player in the world, 6 shot deficit, at the Masters... Faldo is not backing down from that. If Phil somehow sneaks into that final group on Saturday, I really think Sunday goes a bit differently
An absolute killer, and Norman was the perfect guy for him to be chasing in the same group. Mistake after mistake, this round is such a great example of how much golf is played between the ears. Fascinating to watch Faldo just squeeze the life out of Norman pretty much from the start.
I truly believe that if Greg had played the final round with any other player, he would have won The Masters. Nick was relentless throughout and edged closer and closer as the round unfolded. On the other hand, Greg made the mistake of missing the greens on the wrong side, especially on the 8th, 9th and 10th holes, and this was surely due to the heat that Nick was putting on him. Really sad to watch, if you are a Greg Norman fan! Massive credit to Nick for how much compassion he showed for Greg in the Butler Cabin.
Yes. He's addressing every shot like it was a tee shot. Too methodical and not enough focused on feel for the shorter shots is the impression, and it must have cost him this day
For anyone that is really interested in this 96 Masters and the Faldo Norman rivalry I really recommend Faldo/Norman by Andy Farrell.Really interesting book.
Faldo had nerves of steel. So consistent and less flamboyant than Norman but man you have to admire his composure and focus while all manner of mayhem was drowning the great white shark. He was hard as nails and must have been in the head of his playing partner long before the 1st tee.
@@AlonsoRules I'd say the missed putt on one was where it all started but you can't ignore the duck hooked second shot on number 8 that led to him making only a par.
@@bryannewcombe858 on a practice putting green with no one around yeah you could make that putt. In that situation with all that pressure on having bogeyed 9 and 10 no there's no way you would have made that putt.
Funny, as I watched it live all those years ago, I liked Norman and felt bad for him. Now as I watch it, I really like Faldo (and Norman is what he is); very glad Faldo beat him.
... a note on the commentary for the rerun of Larry Mize's chip in. The commentary on the clip shown: "WOOOOAHHHH". On the BBC, we had Peter Alliss, pause, chuckle, then intoned softly "and they say the meek shall inherit the Earth".
Norman was so off that day. Faldo commented on how much longer he was standing over the ball vs. normally just grip it and rip it. Also both Tony Navarro and Butch Harmon said he received a phone call before the round that upset him - like a business deal going wrong or something at home. Greg said he he had back issues and clearly swing flaw with two way miss. Pull-hooks at 1st, 16th, 2nd shots on 8, 10. Also this weak block cut - seen on 12, 2nd shot on 14, 15, 18. Combined with poor putting - missed putts at 1, 7, 9, 10, 11, 17. Only putt he made all day over a few feet was on 13th for birdie.
ESPN's Charley Steiner described this collapse as "like seeing a dead roadkill just off the highway. It's so gross that you just don't want to see it." I felt bad for Norman. 20 top 5's in majors but only 2 wins. Sometimes he lost to incredible shots (Mize, Tway). Sometimes, like the 1996 Masters, he really collapsed.
Norman lost because he shot a 40 on the closing 9 against Tway. Tway's miracle shot would not have mattered if Norman shot 38 or less. So Tway's holeout obscured Norman's terrible last 9 holes.
@@Don7936 exactly. I get sick of hearing about the 'miracle shots' supposedly robbing Norman. And he bogeyed 6 holes on the final day at Augusta in 1987. One less bogey and he closes the door on Mize and Ballesteros, no playoff needed, no getting beaten by the Mize chip in.
Hard to fathom that Greg Norman never won a green jacket and is not part of the champions dinner every year. He came so close so many times. Many thought he would never contend for another masters after this debacle, but in 1999 he almost won but lost to Olazabal. Interesting to see a very young Phil Mickelson on this final round. Jim Nantz interviewed Nick in all three of his Masters wins in Butler cabin. Little did they know that years later they would be paired in the CBS Golf booth.
Norman played the 4 par 3's in 5 over par. Faldo was still 4 behind after the 7th hole, then Faldo birdies 8 after a poor pitch & Norman bogies 9,10,11 & they are tied on the 12th tee before Norman finds the water. Some of Norman's decisions on holes like 9 & 10 were like he was behind trying to catch the leader of the tournament by being aggressive. Faldo's green approaches were so much smarter.
2:10:43 after Norman rinses at the par three 16, Faldo runs his hand through his hair. You can see he's feeling so awkward about the whole development.
This one was heartbreaking to watch. The meltdown by Norman... yikes. He's one of the best, but he'll also be the biggest "what if" in golf. If he was better at closing, he would have had 8-10 majors.
It's just salt on the wounds when the stats appear under Norman's name: "If Norman wins, he'll be the oldest first-time Masters winner" "If Norman wins, he'll end the longest chase for a Green Jacket at 16 years..." Absolutely BRUTAL!!!!
Geoffrey Holland exactly but they make it much more devastating than if it was someone who was in, say, their 5th major appearance. Especially with Greg’s history of stuff like this at the masters
Norman was paralyzed by demons. He could barely swing the club. I have to think a big part of that was playing with Faldo who remained ice cool and never quit. But it's painful to watch Norman. I mean WHAT is he doing with those pine needles?!
Greg Norman was my idol growing up and I was introduced to golf at age 15 within 3 years I was down to 3. Watching how Greg lost the 1996 US Masters I will remember for the rest of my life we were all dissapointed that fateful Monday.
Nick Flado sitting in the log cabin said He felt for Greg shows the class of the man. This defeat hurt us Aussies more than anything else.
But Nick's closing round of 5 under 67 was just beautiful golf under the circumstances. Nick said he believed he had to shot 66 to have a chance. Norman shot 78. I knew after Norman doubled 12 it was over but in my heart I still held on.
Great Win Nick.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate no youtube ads. Thank you
Peter Alliss on Greg Norman during this round: "It's only a silly stick and ball game, but it can tear your heart out at times".
So true that
I still remember that line from the original broadcast!!!
Faldo played with ice in his veins. Didn't waver, stayed focused & consistent - and delivered. A fantastic final round.
20 years later, Willett would do the same
Well, when the wheels are falling off for your opponent, its does boost your confidence and free up your swing .
He also improved his lie on 13 with old swipe-down-the-second-cut-grass-with-the-fairway-metal-first trick.
Faldo's short game was more consistent. The Long Game never wins at Augusta.
@@jpbouffard give up that second cut is prestine like the fairway he simply couldn't figure out whether the angle of attack suited a wood or an iron!
At the end, that's the real Nick Faldo, a golfer through and through. His humility and respect for Greg Norman's fate that day will never be forgotten by real golf fans. He said it, when the chips are down, it becomes matchplay and he was 'the master' at that form of golf. Rock solid!
Spot on. Three Masters and three Opens. The US Open and PGA Championship eluded Sir Nick
Great to see this round in its entirety. Thank you.
I liked the commentary by Ken Venturi.
Normans poor round took away from the 67 by Faldo - arguably one of the greatest final founds of a major ever.
True -- you almost never hear about how well Faldo played. Norman's "collapse" was only half the story.
Same thing with Danny Willett in 2016. He shot 67....but all anyone talks about is Spieth's struggles.
@@johnnypolo1983 Only because Spieth was the defending champ but do agree that Willett deserved more credit for the win.
that 3 putt from 20 feet at #11 was unforgiveable
Palmer 1960 us open, Miller 1973 us open, 1977 Open championship Watson And Jack Nicklaus 1986 masters rounds were better.
That long iron 2nd shot to 13, that he hit right on the button onto the green after indecision with 5 wood.. one of my favourite shots he's hit on way to his last major.. his mental strength though preshot routine..
That was the seminal moment towards destroying Norman's hopes. During the original broadcast I was 100% sure he had decided to lay up, as had Ken Venturi....while not as dramatic as Phil's shot from the straws, it was just as powerful.
I still feel as nervous watching this today as I do all of those years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting Nick and walking around Wentworth with him for 18 holes. A truly lovely man, despite people saying otherwise.
And Norman is the complete opposite. Total pig
Hear hear. I'd be in Faldo's corner long before Mickelson - an immensely duplicitous golfer, and whom most pga players don't actually like to play with.
Great sense of humor too.
He's got a great cabaret act as well. Most people don't realise that.
For some reason, I’ve been rewatching this quite often of late. I was glued to my television back in 1996. I miss watching Greg play. I keep hoping this has been just a 25 year bad dream and I’ll wake up to find out that Greg won.
You can tell by his post-round comments that Nick felt genuinely bad about winning this major from Greg. His 67 in the final round was clutch, though.
Nicks 4th round is one of the best lasta rounds in any Major ever. So composed without zero mistakes in that pressure.
Are you Italian?
Norman threw this tournament away - like many others. Faldo had nothing to feel bad about.
Norman choked. Per usual
Faldo is an all time great imo...i don’t think he gets enough credit
Faldos swing in this is just perfect, and that 2 iron to 13....wow!
Nick Deakin yes thing of beauty wasn’t it
Nick made so many great swings with long irons under major championship pressure, and the 2-iron to 13 was one of them, particularly after putting the 5-wood back in the bag.
Great swing to try to copy. Underrated quality game.
Cool angle of the shot dead on line!! Heard Faldo say that he “absolutely bottled it.”
The most intelligent Round of golf I've ever seen Nick hit the exact shots you're supposed to hit and placed the ball in the correct areas And played to his strengths Norman never looked comfortable
That was one of the greatest final round dramas of all time.
Jordan Spieth 20 years later..... Hold my beer
Andrew Frank one of the biggest collapses in sports history. Maybe the biggest
@@jcsalty457 Jean van de Velde.
2006 US Open @ Winged Foot
@@andrewfrank7222 Spieth had a horrible hole. But he fought back the last 5. Norman just didn’t show up to the final round.
Fair play to Faldo. He was a cold fish on the course but you could tell he was feeling for Norman. Great sportsmanship from Greg, he acknowledged that Nick put a great round together. Class
Two phenomenal players. Faldo was absolutely ice cold when he had a sniff. So was Jack, so was Tiger. He always did genuinely care for his fellow players though.
I remember watching this as it happened... I wanted so much to see Norman win and to watch him just disintegrate was heartbreaking... absolutely heartbreaking... but he did it with such class and grace and was so generous to Faldo at the end... he showed, even in losing, what a champion is made of.
Well said. Always loved Norman
I agree
Arh such a great summary and so true
@@222333aaaaaa i did too until i found out he didn't welcome woods to the island. Found out some other nasty things .
Great comment Marty. Totally agree.
Total class by Faldo. Genuine empathy for Norman.
It’s a shame
The more I watch this I realize just how badly Norman played
@@rrfamig Yeah. He was unraveling but then managed to birdie 13&15, so I thought he still had a chance. But once he splashed his tee shot on 16, it was a done deal. He should have at least 2 green jackets. In 1999 I thought he was going to finally do it, but that was the last time he really had a chance. The only bigger let down for me as a golf fan was Watson in 2009.
@@tlist1970 Watson 2009. That one hurts. I don’t care what anyone says I still count that as a win for Watson. He hit an incredible shot in the last hole on got unlucky.
Norman's short game just didn't hold up when it really mattered
Sir Faldo - the master.
Greg just began to play awful golf after the 7th hole, following that missed opportunity on the 6th for a birdie. The hook on 8, which by the way he also did in '86, was crucial as Faldo birdied to chip more away....then the 9th. Wow. It just looked like on EVERY hole in the back 9, Norman was falling apart. Faldo could have shot a 65 even, as a couple of his putts lipped out. That's how much of a rout this was. I still feel the original broadcast in my bones. I remember imagining how Greg would look in that jacket, and what he would say after waiting so long etc.. Not to be. It's not a Hollywood movie. Thanks for posting.
Was a fan of both players, both phenomenal golfers but Faldo definitely had Norman's number. For some reason Greg just couldn't get it done in majors, he could easily have won 4 or 5 more than his 2 but just seemed to make bad swings at the wrong time. Still a legend of the game and one of the best drivers of the golf ball ever⛳🏌️💪🏼
Ive gotta admit Greg Norman kept his cool in that final day because if it would've been me, Kevin Costner in Tin Cup would not have even come close to how many clubs I would've broken on that day!!
Sir Nick’s swing at 1:00:10 is like watching a surgeon perform a heart transplant on a baby. Just precision at its most precise. Love it.
Faldos iron into 13 was pure.Old school before prov1 and springy clubs . beautiful strike.
Faldo was not my favorite player when this occurred, however, as time has passed, it is apparent what a truly great player he was. What a golf swing!
Unfortunately I wasn't able to watch this live, but I duid record it. I stayed away from the sports scores so I would watch it without knowing the outcome. I couldn't believe what I was watching. It was like watching a slow motion train wreck and was unbelievable. Kudo's to Nick because he played great. When they embraced on 18 Nick told Greg "Don't let the bastards get you down." referring to the media.
Faldos ball striking was immaculate
That second shot on the par 5 (amen corner), simply majestic.!!
@@The-OC 1:33:29
“You’ve gotta get yourself back in. You just can’t keep taking yourself out.” 1:29:28
-Ken Venturi
This quote will live with me the rest of my life
Norman's indecisive caddy was like a sledge to his confidence if that sequence is how the convo went all day. "If you think you can do it Greg, do that...but if you think the other is the play...do that..." Threw it all on Norman's psyche. With the right caddy, i.e. never drop "if" bombs, Greg would have won. It was a telling sequence, in my opinion.
@@tomgriffith8032 Yeah, it definitely seemed like neither Norman nor his caddy were in sequence during the conversation on 13
@ Norman was well known for not listening to caddies, though. he would over rule their wisdom over and over. Even Steve Williams recounted a number of times Greg would just rip the driver or take a different shot on that would cost him against any advice. And that's his right as the player, of course. But perhaps just maybe, the caddy learned not to force Greg at an important moment? I don't know? I am just playing Devil's advocate.
@@tomgriffith8032 pretty sure it was Tony Navarro who is one of the best in the business, if Greg “wanted to do the other one” as he put it, then it was his right to do so
As a huge Faldo fan I remember that day as being one of the very best in my time watching sports . That said I felt sick for Greg Norman. He was Mr Golf to so many and played a brand of Golf probably not much seen at that time. That said for as much as people talk about his meltdown Faldos final round is often under played in the scenario. He was simply iceman.
Two great all time players and I enjoyed watching them for many years.
Amen Brother. Those were glorious times in pro golf.
This is still one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever seen.
My father and I just sat silent for about the last 2 hours as Norman melted down. I was 17 and I couldn't believe what I just watched. I thought there was no way he could lose. My father reminded me of his pushed 2nd shot at 18 in 1986 when birdie would have defeated his mentor, Jack and his putt at 18 that would have won it only to lose to the miracle chip by Larry Mize in 1987. He said, "Maybe he's not meant to win it.' That said, he handled it with an uncommon grace and class. If there was a list of the greatest players to not win the green jacket, he is number one on that list.
Faldo simply had the best mental game AND the most pressure resistant swing. Not to mention his already towering skills, irons in particular.
As much as this is remembered for Greg blowing it, it was a true masterclass in strategic golf by Faldo. It was simply one of the greatest final round performances in major championship history. The approach shots on the back nine were disciplined, sensible and steady, putting immense pressure on Norman to respond. Faldo ground his pace down to a standstill in order to make Greg suffer in the uneasiness. True brilliance!
Faldos demolition of Norman was phenomenal. I watched this live and loved Faldo's incredible performance. I remember him getting booed and heckled by a very pro Norman Gallery when he stepped away from a shot.
Ultimately, Norman just couldn't take the heat.
Faldo was perfect this day
I don't think Faldo demolished Norman, Faldo played a great round but Norman just imploded on himself.
@@mpreiss7780 Nonsense!He collapsed under the pressure of the flawless golf Faldo produced.
@@christopherfranklin972 Okay I guess the only guy that knows the truth is Mr Norman
Didn't Norman lose five shots in four holes while Faldo played each of those four holes at par, losing the lead in the process? That makes Norman's implosion more mind-blowing.
@@gynandroidhead Yeah its called golf. is not that mind blowing to lose 5 shots in 4 holes on a major championship course. happens almost every week on tour
Faldo hit some truly great shots, but the decision to go for the green on the 13th, after Norman had laid up and with what I believe was a 2 iron, Stands out to me, as the shot of a champion !!!
On the flip side, Norman saw Faldo's shot on 12 and then went for the pin even after his caddy said think of your target. So many mental errors and wrong decisions from Norman, probably made worse by playing with Faldo.
And at 16 too.
when my daughter started playing golf I introduced her to the trials and tribulations faced by Greg during his career. tough guy, but a great perspective on life with the most positive of attitudes in the face of adversity. she is now 20, plus 3 handicap. In Women's English Amateur she shot a 12 first hole and then a double par lead to a 50 on front 9, but then she came in with 34 back nine (scores are on record). worst score on front and best on the back! I believe her learning about Greg's positive attitude and keeping things in perspective helped.
1:33:29 - One of the flushest 2-irons ever struck.
KingpinPadre great shot
Agreed. Glad he didn't hit that wood annnnd...... that took a long time lol.
Lesson learned. Don't make the swing with a big doubt in your mind.
Seriously class in a glass
Best iron shot of his life has to be
You almost feel bad for Faldo as well….he couldn’t enjoy his victory as much as he should have because he was feeling genuine pain for Norman. This was a high point in sportsmanship. Both men showed out in a magnificent way.
Always been a Norman fan, but Faldo is a true champion. All 3 of his Masters wins he came from behind on Sunday. He shot a combined -15 on Sunday and came from behind a total of 14 strokes. Pretty amazing really
Faldo is probably my favorite player and my favorite swing to copy.... but let's be honest most of those wins were because the leaders choked the final day.
LifeOnHardMode um you realize despite Greg’s choking Faldo would have caught him anyway? He shot -5 which could have gotten him within 1 if Greg played even par
@@TheLocalLt Faldo played great, but if you saw Greg's other 3 rounds if he just did what he was supposed to he wouldn't have shot even par with some of the easy birdies on that course.
@@H0VA that is a fairly ignorant comment - the reason you practice so hard at that level is so when the pressure is on - you maintain what you do and it carries you thru -. MOST of Nicklaus's championships he just kept around and as it got closer to the end - the other players would falter and he would keep playing his game - it has always been that way .
Could have been even better! Lipped out two birdie putts. What a round.
Anyone who wants to know about sportsmanship and personal accountability should go back and look for Greg Norman's interviews following this Masters. No one ever "took it like a man" better than the Shark did after this devastating loss.
Was tough to watch, especially when he hooked it in the water on 16. But then again, happens to all the great ones; Arnold once blew a 7 shot lead in the US open one year, with 9 holes to play, losing to Billy Casper.
supergolfdude I agree. But he has a reputation of not being cool.
Go watch cam newton after his Super Bowl loss. And you’ll see the opposite
Anyone who wants to know about sportsmanship and personal accountability should go back and look for Greg Norman's interviews following this Masters. No one ever "took it like a man" better than the Shark did after this devastating loss.
Anyone who wants to know about sportsmanship and personal accountability should go back and look for Greg Norman's interviews following this Masters. No one ever "took it like a man" better than the Shark did after this devastating loss.
And the next year , golf would never be the same . End of an Era .
Enter a certain Mr Woods.
Faldo’s game was the epitome of efficiency at the highest level. Smooth and calculated. I find it fascinating that just one year later Tiger would make both Faldo’s game seemingly obsolete.
He didn't really make it obsolete. Faldo would still hold his own if he played in Tiger Woods era
@@scottblanton3182 definitely hold his own. But I’ll never forget Faldo saying that if he was to mold a young player he would advise him to hit it hard accuracy later. Nick saw the writing on the wall. And this is from someone that loved the way Faldo changed his style, because he was quite long, for the sake of major championships. Colin Montgomery said Tiger was 50 yards by him in 97 when Tiger got his first major, that’s 4 clubs less into the greens. Pretty tough to beat especially when Tiger is arguably the best putter who ever wore spikes.
From the mid-'80s until Tiger turned pro in late '96, Greg Norman was the most gifted player on the planet. But Faldo was far stronger where it mattered most: between the ears.
azapro911 imagine combining Faldo’s steely-eyed intensity, Norman’s iron play, and Zinger’s creativity.
@@TheLocalLt It Made Tiger Woods! haha
Seve was at least same level on gift than Greg.
Peter Hammer .... And then some😉😉
Exactly right
Greg took FOREVER standing over his putts. I thought I paused the video a couple times
If it was anyone else chasing Greg, I think he would have won. Nick just ground him down like a boxer delivering body shot after body shot
Plus Norman choked like a fat kid on a hot dog.
It's hard not to feel sorry for Greg Norman; and Nick Faldo, after that shot that hit the water, just knows he's going to win--but he doesn't want to win like this...
The decision making by Faldo and Norman on the 13th hole here really showcases the brilliance of that hole. They were both faced with that “momentous” decision, as Bobby Jones called it, to go for the green or lay up. The new tee in 2023 really brought this kind of decision making back to this hole.
Faldo was a excellent player in his prime
Norman fiddling about near his ball in the pine needles risking a penalty , never ceases to amaze me the risks they take at that level
Still painful...
I watched this live on bbc2 in the UK, to this day I've wondered what they said to each other on the 18th . Nick Faldo at his best .
Me too. And I don't even like golf. But you couldn't take your eyes off it - real-time car crash...
He said, the press will be coming... don’t let them beat you up.
He probably said "Lighten up Greg..it could be much worse ....you're rich beyond your wildest imagination ...excuse me I need to go try on another new sportscoat".
@@jamestepera3356 when these guys were at this level it has nothing to do with the money I can assure you .
He said “Hat-trick!, what a feeling to win this three times !”
Watching this as an 11 year old on a Monday morning Australian time was a painful experience.
It's taken me 28 years to be able to watch this again, it's still painful
Faldo was so deliberate on his 2nd shot on 13 to make Norman think about how bad he was playing.
fantastic sportsmanship between those two on the 18th green
You'll never find a bigger Greg Norman fan than me at 14. I rushed home from church anxious to watch the coronation. Instead it was a slow-trudge toward the Shark's demise. The memories of watching this are still a tiny bit haunting.
Picked the wrong side - Faldo was my hero (although I liked Norman, watched him a few times in the flesh). Faldo was so mentally strong, anyone going head to head usually came 2nd when it counted...but this really was one of the worst collapses I've seen
I have similar feelings towards Jordan Speith's back nine collapse in 2016
Sinner ...you got him lost
I feel you, but don't feel to sorry for Mr Norman as he had a legendary career with 2 majors to his credit. Oh and won a boat load of money
@@mpreiss7780 And earned a bunch more $$ as an entrepreneur. Guy's LOADED.
Between 1986 and 1996 , a total of 44 majors played with 8 wins from these guys. Add on the second and third places by each of them just shows how dominant they were during that golden period of golf.
Please release Thursday coverage of this tournament so we can relive the Norman 63.
Nick Faldo has the greatest golf swing golf has ever seen even Tiger once said his swing was a thing of beauty.
YEAH of course it is - the next year - in the first round it got decimated - and was never the same again - As defending champion he was paired with the defending US Amateur champion - Tiger Woods - . Faldo really tried to intimidate him and Tiger shot 40 on the front nine - and then turned it on - I was watching the whole thing - Tiger shot 30 on the back nine - and completely blew Faldo's mind - and game he was never the same after it - and was a broadcaster within 5 more years he, he, he, he
Fred Couples has my favorite swing of all time. It looks so effortless, yet the bill just flys off the club.
I agree. A swing that could stand up to pressure.
@@martysykes3221 Norman doesn't have a swing that can get the job done in pressure situations!
@@pjpredhomme7699Crawl back under your rock, weirdo.
I wish the masters still played the calming music when showing the scores! The music they play now just isn’t the same!
Agreed. It fit the Masters aura.
Felt for Greg , a total gentleman, Pressure is a massive thing in life , but was so proud of our Nick 🇬🇧🇬🇧, what a place Augusta is 🏌️♂️⛳️👍
The best masters i have ever watched
Time is flying. Seems like just yesterday I watched this live.
I'm a huge Norman fan, then and now, so it was painful to watch, but he's still one of the greats of golf
Go LIV! 💪
@@jessecooper9795 Hey, if you enjoy exhibition golf; then great!
I bought that shirt Faldo was wearing about a week later, I was 15
l bought that shirt Faldo was wearing about a week later, l was 15
I had the shirt on from day 2 when i followed him around the 1996 British open at Royal Lytham.
Great memories.
@Cavalcade of Fred Couples I still game that putter....had it in the bag since 98
@@thituyentran5729 l bought that shirt Faldo was wearing about a week later, l was 15
I don't think there was a player in the world more equipped for this spot than Faldo. Against the #1 player in the world, 6 shot deficit, at the Masters... Faldo is not backing down from that. If Phil somehow sneaks into that final group on Saturday, I really think Sunday goes a bit differently
An absolute killer, and Norman was the perfect guy for him to be chasing in the same group. Mistake after mistake, this round is such a great example of how much golf is played between the ears. Fascinating to watch Faldo just squeeze the life out of Norman pretty much from the start.
Faldo was in exactly the same situation 3 months later with a different result
@@DanielSong39 what major was that?
@@finalfrontier001 1996 British Open
Norman was pure class in heartbreaking defeat.
Faldo AKA Harrison Ford
Patrick Swayze
Ha Ha, In one of the clips showing a young Ben Crenshaw, I thought to myself Crenshaw looked like Luke Skywalker. LOL.
I recall my brother in law making the same observation back in the day. Lol.
I've always thought that too.
I truly believe that if Greg had played the final round with any other player, he would have won The Masters. Nick was relentless throughout and edged closer and closer as the round unfolded. On the other hand, Greg made the mistake of missing the greens on the wrong side, especially on the 8th, 9th and 10th holes, and this was surely due to the heat that Nick was putting on him.
Really sad to watch, if you are a Greg Norman fan!
Massive credit to Nick for how much compassion he showed for Greg in the Butler Cabin.
I watched that way back then ,Never expected to re watch it all those years later
Man Norman stood over the ball a long time once he addressed it, probably didn't help him this day.
A lot of the non-US players do. Many of the Europeans do too.
Yeah noticed that too - especially his putts.
Yes. He's addressing every shot like it was a tee shot. Too methodical and not enough focused on feel for the shorter shots is the impression, and it must have cost him this day
For anyone that is really interested in this 96 Masters and the Faldo Norman rivalry I really recommend Faldo/Norman by Andy Farrell.Really interesting book.
Faldo had nerves of steel. So consistent and less flamboyant than Norman but man you have to admire his composure and focus while all manner of mayhem was drowning the great white shark. He was hard as nails and must have been in the head of his playing partner long before the 1st tee.
Faldo had to be the absolute worst guy for Norman to play this round with. He was a stone cold killer, love watching his major wins.
What a legendary set of starters.
Everyone talking about Norman's excellent long game, but he choked once again around the greens. That 3 putt on #11 was unforgivable.
I don't even play golf and I could have made that putt. It's tough to watch. The worse it got, the more pressure he had on him....brutal...
It all started when he didn't go long at Number 9. Leaving it short at #9 is a big no no at Augusta.
@@AlonsoRules I'd say the missed putt on one was where it all started but you can't ignore the duck hooked second shot on number 8 that led to him making only a par.
@@bryannewcombe858 on a practice putting green with no one around yeah you could make that putt. In that situation with all that pressure on having bogeyed 9 and 10 no there's no way you would have made that putt.
Funny, as I watched it live all those years ago, I liked Norman and felt bad for him. Now as I watch it, I really like Faldo (and Norman is what he is); very glad Faldo beat him.
... a note on the commentary for the rerun of Larry Mize's chip in.
The commentary on the clip shown: "WOOOOAHHHH".
On the BBC, we had Peter Alliss, pause, chuckle, then intoned softly "and they say the meek shall inherit the Earth".
Thank you for sharing this!
1995-1997 had such a pureness about.
Only thing more painful than watching Norman’s collapse, is having to watch him slow play.
Norman was so off that day. Faldo commented on how much longer he was standing over the ball vs. normally just grip it and rip it. Also both Tony Navarro and Butch Harmon said he received a phone call before the round that upset him - like a business deal going wrong or something at home. Greg said he he had back issues and clearly swing flaw with two way miss. Pull-hooks at 1st, 16th, 2nd shots on 8, 10. Also this weak block cut - seen on 12, 2nd shot on 14, 15, 18. Combined with poor putting - missed putts at 1, 7, 9, 10, 11, 17. Only putt he made all day over a few feet was on 13th for birdie.
This will always be the saddest (if you wanted greg to win) masters for the time ive been watching , unforgetable !
Probably the most predictable though, with a Norman Sunday collapse.
ESPN's Charley Steiner described this collapse as "like seeing a dead roadkill just off the highway. It's so gross that you just don't want to see it." I felt bad for Norman. 20 top 5's in majors but only 2 wins. Sometimes he lost to incredible shots (Mize, Tway). Sometimes, like the 1996 Masters, he really collapsed.
Don’t forget his 4 iron into the crowd at the 1986 Masters on the last hole when tied with Nicklaus. He had just birdied 17 too
Norman lost because he shot a 40 on the closing 9 against Tway. Tway's miracle shot would not have mattered if Norman shot 38 or less. So Tway's holeout obscured Norman's terrible last 9 holes.
@@Don7936 exactly. I get sick of hearing about the 'miracle shots' supposedly robbing Norman. And he bogeyed 6 holes on the final day at Augusta in 1987. One less bogey and he closes the door on Mize and Ballesteros, no playoff needed, no getting beaten by the Mize chip in.
Thanks for the video... I sympathize with Greg.
Still hard to watch
Hard to fathom that Greg Norman never won a green jacket and is not part of the champions dinner every year. He came so close so many times. Many thought he would never contend for another masters after this debacle, but in 1999 he almost won but lost to Olazabal. Interesting to see a very young Phil Mickelson on this final round. Jim Nantz interviewed Nick in all three of his Masters wins in Butler cabin. Little did they know that years later they would be paired in the CBS Golf booth.
The Norman collapse was agonizing to watch! Greg, I was rooting for ya, Mate!
Faldo's 2-iron into the 13th. Imperious.
Yeah one of the purest sounding shots I’ve ever heard
Norman played the 4 par 3's in 5 over par.
Faldo was still 4 behind after the 7th hole, then Faldo birdies 8 after a poor pitch & Norman bogies 9,10,11 & they are tied on the 12th tee before Norman finds the water.
Some of Norman's decisions on holes like 9 & 10 were like he was behind trying to catch the leader of the tournament by being aggressive.
Faldo's green approaches were so much smarter.
Wasn't that typical of Norman though, to play aggressively?
2:10:43 after Norman rinses at the par three 16, Faldo runs his hand through his hair. You can see he's feeling so awkward about the whole development.
it was at this moment he knew greg fuked up
I’m sitting here with Covid and thinking I must get some sleep - no chance now I’m reliving this again. Pure theatre.
Hopefully, you've got all the Moderna and Pfizer jabs. If you have all 8 or 9, you should be 100% resistant to C19. In fact, biden guarantees it.
This one was heartbreaking to watch. The meltdown by Norman... yikes. He's one of the best, but he'll also be the biggest "what if" in golf. If he was better at closing, he would have had 8-10 majors.
Faldo deeply loves Greg because he gifted this Masters to him
Jim Nantz voice is still same :)
watched it a second time since 1996 and it still hurts
Well, I guess the title image tells who won.
It’s from 1996
@@diskeyes I follow you so far.
It's just salt on the wounds when the stats appear under Norman's name:
"If Norman wins, he'll be the oldest first-time Masters winner"
"If Norman wins, he'll end the longest chase for a Green Jacket at 16 years..."
Absolutely BRUTAL!!!!
What on Earth is brutal about the truth? That's all it was the truth.
@@geoffreyholland328 It's brutal because he still didn't win.
@@bryannewcombe858 the fact that he didn't win doesn't change the fact that those are correct and true stats.
Geoffrey Holland exactly but they make it much more devastating than if it was someone who was in, say, their 5th major appearance. Especially with Greg’s history of stuff like this at the masters
Sir Nick Faldo is quite a guy!
Greatest person in golf, greatest win in golf imo.
Norman was paralyzed by demons. He could barely swing the club.
I have to think a big part of that was playing with Faldo who remained ice cool and never quit.
But it's painful to watch Norman.
I mean WHAT is he doing with those pine needles?!
This was the last year they used the ANGC pin flag before going to the Masters flag in ‘97.
Those flags are still used for member play.
Norman being Norman
Great win by Faldo. Remember it well
Yes, he found a way to lose even the unlosable.