Classic Masters, no. 7: 1996

THE Green Jacket was ready and waiting for Greg Norman. How could the Great White Shark fail to wear it as he went into the final day on 13-under and with a six-shot lead?

Instead, incredulous observers saw the Masters’ most incredible collapse as the Australian, suffering the blackest day of his golfing life, went into meltdown.

A hook into a bunker at the opening hole was just the start. Three straight bogeys in the middle set alarm bells ringing. He found water at the 12th and the 16th.

Meanwhile, Nick Faldo played ruthlessly efficient golf. As the pair walked on to the final tee, the Englishman’s six-shot deficit had become a four-shot lead. After sinking a superfluous birdie putt, he appeared embarrassed in his moment of victory. Embracing Norman, Faldo – having just won his third Masters – said: “I just want to give you a hug. I feel horrible about what happened. I’m so sorry.” And both men cried.