Patrons still marvel at Sarazen's double eagle 80 years later

Phil Durian was one day shy of his first birthday when Gene Sarazen made a double eagle on No. 15 at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 1935.

Like many Masters patrons, Durian still marvels at the “shot heard ’round the world” on the 80th anniversary of Sarazen’s making the rarest shot in golf. His double eagle at the par-5 gave an instant boost of excitement to the Masters and golf, many said.

“It did a lot for the sport. It focused attention on golf,” said patron Tom Tuggle, of Brevard, N.C. “At that time, it wasn’t really a popular sport.”

Ben Saars, of Maryland, agreed that Sarazen’s shot helped put the spotlight on the sport. It was also the turning point in Sarazen’s 1935 win, he said.

“That’s the hardest shot to get in golf,” Saars said. “There’s only four guys who have done it in the Masters.”

Australian Bruce Devlin made double eagle on No. 8 in 1967; Jeff Maggert on the 13th hole in 1994; and Louis Oosthuizen on the second hole in 2012.

Another golfer will eventually repeat Sarazen’s feat at No. 15, although it will be difficult at 530 yards, said Chip Davis, of Fort Worth, Texas.

“It’ll be done. The big hitters could probably do it,” he said.

Durian, who is visiting the Masters from Niwot, Colo., had a close call with the legendary golfer in the early 1970s. While in Augusta for a business trip, Durian was playing at West Lake Country Club when a playing partner hit a ball down the right side of the fairway. The ball landed between Sarazen’s legs.

“He said, ‘I don’t think I’ll go and retrieve that one,” Durian said of his playing partner.