No Laying Up - Golf Podcast 790 - 1997 Majors Deep Dive
Feb 8, 2024
Dive into the transformative 1997 Masters tournament, Tiger Woods' dominance, racial controversy, and memorable golf victories. Explore golfer Kangriene's unconventional tactics, the setup and controversy of the 1997 US Open, and the collapse and redemption of Ian Baker-Finch. Reflect on the impact of a young black golfer and the emotional journey of players on the course. Don't miss the press conference controversy and John Daly's comeback.
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Tiger's early career and practice feats
- Tiger Woods was ranked 13th in the world going into the 1997 Masters with just 14 professional starts and three wins.
- Leading up he famously shot a 59 in practice and birdied the first hole the next day, a story told by Marco Mira for 25 years.
Tiger's meticulous Masters prep
- Tiger's preparation at Isleworth and attention to pins and distance control were key to his 1997 Masters success.
- His approach combined lessons from past champions and rigorous distance and spin control, embodying a strategic mindset.
Tiger and Augusta's racial history
- Prior to 1997, only three black players had competed in the Masters.
- Tiger Woods's entry symbolized a significant but complicated advance in golf's racial dynamics at Augusta National.