Posted March 23, 2012, 7:09 pm |

Staff

1971: Coody surprises field to win Masters

Article Photos

Photos description

Coody
Article Photos

Photos description

Front Page of The Augusta Chronicle after the 1971 Masters Tournament

Most people figured Charles Coody didn't stand a chance in 1971.

Even though he was the co-leader after 54 holes, it was the other guy who was the smart choice to win. Jack Nicklaus had already won three Masters, even though it had been five years since he last donned a green jacket.

And, thanks to a scheduling quirk, Nicklaus was playing for the second leg of the Grand Slam. He had won the PGA Championship two months before. Coody had challenged for a green jacket in 1969, but let it slip away late in the final round.

Through three rounds this time, Coody had put himself in position for his first major win. While all eyes were on Nicklaus, the early story of the final round belonged to Johnny Miller. The young pro stormed into the lead by playing his first 14 holes in 6-under fashion. With just four holes to go, he held a two-shot lead over Coody.

But Miller couldn't close out the win. He bogeyed the 16th and 18th holes, and Coody birdied the 15th and 16th. Just like that, Coody was up by two. Nicklaus could not chase him down. A cold putter left him with 72 and ruined his chances of moving closer to the Grand Slam.

1971 Masters

	Player	F	R1	R2	R3	R4	Earn.
1	Charles Coody	-9	66	73	70	70	$25,000
2	Johnny Miller	-7	72	73	68	68	$17,500
2	Jack Nicklaus	-7	70	71	68	72	$17,500
4	Don January	-5	69	69	73	72	$9,050
4	Gene Littler	-5	72	69	73	69	$9,050
6	Gary Player	-4	72	72	71	69	$5,600
6	Ken Still	-4	72	71	72	69	$5,600
6	Tom Weiskopf	-4	71	69	72	72	$5,600
9	Frank Beard	-2	74	73	69	70	$3,767
9	R. De Vicenzo	-2	76	69	72	69	$3,767
9	Dave Stockton	-2	72	73	69	72	$3,767

1971: Coody surprises field to win Masters

1971 Masters

From AugustaChronicle.com »

Photos

2021 Invitees