Who won the first Masters playoff in 1935?

Gene Sarazen won the first Masters playoff in 1935. He defeated Craig Wood in a 36-hole playoff after the two players finished the regulation tournament tied at 282, six under par.

The 1935 event was only the second staging of the tournament, which was still officially called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. Sarazen’s victory became one of the most celebrated moments in Masters history because he had forced the playoff with a double eagle on the par-5 15th hole. His remarkable shot, struck with a four-wood from roughly 235 yards, became known as the “shot heard ’round the world.”

Sarazen then controlled the playoff, shooting 71 in the morning round and 73 in the afternoon for a 144 total. Wood finished at 149, giving Sarazen a five-stroke victory. The playoff was held on the Monday after the final round, reflecting the tournament’s early format.

A common mix-up is confusing Sarazen’s playoff win with the player he tied: Craig Wood. Wood was the runner-up, while Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and other names belong to different Masters stories and years.