As the hallowed grounds of Augusta National continue to serve as the stage for some of golf’s most glorious triumphs, they also play host to some of the sport’s most unforgettable blunders.
The Masters, rich with tradition and prestige, doesn’t offer much room for error-and when things go sideways, they do so in spectacular fashion.
Let’s take a look at five moments that brought not glory, but embarrassment, to those chasing the green jacket.
1. Ernie Els and the nightmare on hole one
Els, a two-time major champion and two-time runner-up at the Masters, had high hopes when he teed off in 2016. But the par-4 first hole of Augusta had different plans. After a solid start with a strong drive and a decent approach, it all came undone on the green.
His first putt grazed the lip but didn’t drop. Then came a shocking sequence-Els missed not one or two, but six putts from close range. What looked like a simple par turned into a humiliating quintuple-bogey 9.
2. Billy Horschel’s Rae’s Creek misadventure
Billy Horschel, with 11 career victories, is no stranger to competitive golf pressure. But the 2021 Masters delivered a moment he’d probably like to erase.
After his ball found Rae’s Creek on the 13th hole, Horschel did what many pros do-rolled up his pants, took off his shoes, and prepared for a tricky recovery shot.
But nature had other plans. As he stepped onto the slippery bank, Horschel lost his footing and slid down the slope, getting soaked and staining his pants with green grass and mud.
3. Tiger Woods tackled by security
During his historic fifth Masters win in 2019, Tiger Woods faced an unexpected challenge not from the course-but from the security team meant to protect him.
On the 14th hole, Woods had just hit a solid approach when a sudden surge of fans moved closer for a better look.
Security rushed in to contain the crowd, but one officer slipped and collided with Woods, clipping his right ankle. The sight of Woods limping had fans holding their breath, but he quickly shook it off and went on to win.
4. Tiger’s Amen Corner disaster in 2020
Just one year after his epic comeback victory, Woods returned to Augusta during the pandemic-altered 2020 Masters. But the famed par-3 12th hole-‘Golden Bell’-turned into a disaster.
Woods hit the water not once, not twice, but three times. His triple miscue led to a 10 on the hole-the highest single-hole score of his professional career. Despite rebounding with birdies afterward, the damage was done.
5. Jose Luis Ballester’s bathroom emergency
Adding a more recent entry to this list is 21-year-old Spaniard Jose Luis Ballester at the 2025 Masters. The Arizona State golfer, known more for his rising potential than his resume, made headlines for something entirely off-course-literally.
Needing a bathroom break during his round, Ballester rushed off the 13th tee box but got disoriented trying to find the restroom. In a moment of panic, he ended up down near Rae’s Creek to relieve himself.
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