1936: Horton Smith wins his second Masters
Horton Smith played second fiddle to Bobby Jones when he won the first Augusta National Invitation Tournament in 1934. Two years later, when he won for the second time, he validated it on his way to a Hall of Fame career.
Smith was the last man to beat Jones before his Grand Slam campaign of 1930, winning a tournament in Savannah, Ga. Four years later, Jones took the spotlight as he opened his new course for a new event.
Smith held at least a share of the lead each day. On the final day, Smith came to the final three holes tied with Craig Wood. He birdied the 71st hole to edge Wood by a stroke.
Smith was a fan of the course and tournament from the start.
"There is nothing monotonous about that course, and it is one of the most beautiful I ever played," Smith said. "Each one of the holes presents something new."
Two years later, Smith won for the second time at Augusta National when he nipped Harry Cooper by one shot. Smith sank a long chip for birdie at the 14th hole in the final round en route to his victory.
As one of the leading players of the 1930s, Smith won 32 times in his career. But he will forever be known as the first Masters champion.
1936 Masters
Player | F | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | Earn. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Horton Smith | -3 | 74 | 71 | 68 | 72 | $1,500 | |
2 | Harry Cooper | -2 | 70 | 69 | 71 | 76 | $800 | |
3 | Gene Sarazen | -1 | 78 | 67 | 72 | 70 | $600 | |
4 | Bob Cruiskshank | +2 | 75 | 69 | 74 | 72 | $450 | |
4 | Paul Runyan | +2 | 76 | 69 | 70 | 75 | $450 | |
6 | Ed Dudley | +5 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 73 | $250 | |
6 | Ky Laffoon | +5 | 75 | 70 | 75 | 73 | $250 | |
6 | Ray Mangrum | +5 | 76 | 73 | 68 | 76 | $250 | |
9 | John W. Dawson | +6 | 77 | 70 | 70 | 77 | - | |
9 | Henry Picard | +6 | 75 | 72 | 74 | 73 | $150 |