The quest for the lowest round ever at Augusta National has been a topic of discussion for many years. In 1986, Nick Price set the course record with a remarkable 63. This record stood for 33 years until Greg Norman matched it in 1996. Many players have come close to breaking the record, including Jordan Spieth, who shot a 64 in the 2018 Masters, and Rory McIlroy, who also shot a 64 in 2022. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, despite their success at Augusta, have not been able to match Price’s record, with their best rounds being 65.
The history of the Masters course record dates back to 1940 when Lloyd Mangrum set the record with a score of 64. Price’s 63 in 1986 not only broke Mangrum’s record but also set a new standard for future players to strive towards. Despite the many talented golfers who have competed at Augusta National, only Price and Norman have been able to match the remarkable feat of shooting a 63 in a single round. Price’s round included 10 birdies and propelled him up the leaderboard during the 1986 Masters.
In recent years, the pursuit of the course record at Augusta has intensified, with players like Patrick Reed and Paul Casey shooting impressive rounds to challenge the existing record. At the U.S. Open, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele both shot 62 in the opening round of the 2023 tournament, tying the record for the lowest round in the history of the championship. Justin Thomas is the only player to shoot a 63 on a par 72 course at the U.S. Open, showcasing the difficulty of achieving such a feat in major championships.
Each year, as players compete at Augusta National and other major championships, the focus remains on setting new records and achieving greatness on the course. The history of low rounds at prestigious events like the Masters and the U.S. Open adds to the lore of these tournaments and showcases the talent and skill of the world’s best golfers. As the sport continues to evolve and players push the boundaries of what is possible on the course, the quest for the lowest round ever at Augusta National will remain a central storyline in the world of golf.
