When Tiger Woods last won The Masters
Tiger Woods last won The Masters in 2007, securing his fifth green jacket and reaffirming his mastery at Augusta National. This victory marked his first major championship in five years and came during a remarkable stretch where he won two of the previous three majors. In 2005, he had already broken his own scoring record at the tournament, and by 2007 he delivered a composed performance under pressure, notably holding off a charging Rory Sabbatini in the final round. For many fans and analysts, this win stands as one of the defining moments of his late-career resurgence.
Overview of Tiger Woods' Masters victories
Across his career, Woods captured five Masters titles between 1997 and 2007, each contributing to his status as one of the most decorated players in major championship history. His wins reflect different phases of his game, from audacious shotmaking in his first victory to refined course management in his last. The table below summarizes each of his Masters wins, including the year, margin, and key context that shaped each tournament.
Tiger Woods' Masters wins at a glance
| Year | Winning score | Margin | Notable context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | −18 (270) | 12 strokes | Record-setting wire-to-wire victory at age 21 |
| 2001 | −16 (272) | 3 strokes | Began his streak of four consecutive top finishes |
| 2002 | −14 (274) | 5 strokes | Extended his major championship drought break |
| 2005 | −16 (272) | 5 strokes | Improved his own course record; showcased elite precision |
| 2007 | −18 (270) | 1 stroke | Ended a five-year major drought; fifth green jacket |
Key details of the 2007 Masters win
Woods entered the 2007 tournament as a heavy favorite, and he steadily built a lead through consistent ball-striking and strong iron play. He navated pressure on several holes in the final round, most notably around the 10th to 15th holes where competitors had chances to cut into his advantage. On Sunday, he weathered late charges, including a determined effort from Rory Sabbatini, to secure a one-stroke victory. This triumph was especially meaningful because it came after an extended period in which Woods struggled with injuries and personal challenges that had disrupted his competitive rhythm.
Woods' performance trends at the Masters
Analyzing Tiger Woods' results at the Masters reveals cycles of dominance, resilience, and partial recovery. His early wins were defined by bold shotmaking and low scores, while later victories highlighted his ability to manage complex course conditions and maintain composure. Between 2007 and 2009, he finished in the top 15 despite ongoing physical issues, demonstrating that his skill remained elite even when his consistency was tested. The following table compares his scoring averages and major outcomes during key phases of his Masters history.
Comparative performance phases at Augusta
| Phase | Year range | Average score at Masters | Finish trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakout era | 1997–2002 | Around −12 to −16 | Multiple wins, record low rounds |
| Post–back injury decline | 2003–2006 | Fluctuating, with near-misses | Top-10 finishes amid injury recovery |
| 2007 resurgence | 2007 | −18 | Victory after five-year major drought |
| Later career appearances | 2008–2019 | Above par averages, competitive cuts | Top-30 finishes when healthy |
How the 2007 win fits into Woods' legacy
Winning The Masters in 2007 reinforced several elements of Woods' enduring narrative: his capacity for high-level performance under pressure, his skill in adapting to evolving course setups, and his importance in major championship history. Among his five green jackets, the 2007 victory stands apart as the most hard-fought in terms of competitive tension, while it also capped a period in which he redefined what was possible at major events. Even as injuries and other factors later reduced his schedule, this win remains a benchmark for his excellence at Augusta National.
Summary and lasting relevance
As the most recent Tiger Woods victory at The Masters, 2007 continues to frame conversations about his peak performances, his impact on major championship golf, and the context for any future attempts at resurgence. Understanding this finish, alongside his earlier wins and later challenges, offers a clearer picture of his career arc at Augusta. For fans, historians, and analysts, the 2007 Masters remains a definitive chapter in the story of one of golf's most accomplished champions.