Larry Mize
Larry Mize (born September 23, 1958) is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 1987 Masters Tournament, his sole major championship, via a dramatic 140-foot chip-in birdie on the second sudden-death playoff hole at Augusta National Golf Club against Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman.[1][2][3] Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia—the home of the Masters—Mize developed his game as a junior golfer and even volunteered as a teenager operating the manual scoreboard on the third green at Augusta National.[4] After a standout collegiate career at Georgia Tech, Mize turned professional in 1980 and earned his PGA Tour card the following year.[3][5] Throughout his PGA Tour career, Mize secured four victories: the 1983 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, the 1993 Buick Open, the 1987 Masters, and the 1993 Northern Telecom Open, with his Masters triumph elevating him to a career-high world ranking of 10th.[3][4][6] He also represented the United States on the 1987 Ryder Cup team and accumulated additional professional wins on the Japan Golf Tour (three) and a senior victory on the PGA Tour Champions at the 2010 Montreal Championship.[4][7] Beyond competition, Mize has been active in philanthropy, co-hosting an annual charity golf event with Coca-Cola to support cystic fibrosis research from 1988 until it concluded in the early 2020s.[3] His son, Robert Mize, followed in his footsteps by winning the 2014 Georgia State Amateur Championship.[3] Mize competed in 40 consecutive Masters Tournaments from 1984 to 2023, retiring from regular play thereafter while remaining a beloved figure in Augusta golf lore.[8]Early life and amateur career
Childhood and introduction to golf
Lawrence Hogan Mize was born on September 23, 1958, in Augusta, Georgia, to Charles Mize, a telephone company executive, and Elizabeth Mize.[9][10] He grew up in a family of three children in the golf-rich environment of Augusta, where his parents and siblings regularly played at the Augusta Country Club and attended services at the First Baptist Church.[11] The family's middle-class lifestyle provided access to local golf facilities, fostering an early connection to the sport amid the prestige of the nearby Masters Tournament. Mize's introduction to golf came around age 11, when he began playing at the Augusta Country Club, initially tagging along with family members before developing his own interest.[12] His passion deepened through immersion in Augusta's golf culture; as a teenager in the 1960s and 1970s, he volunteered at the Masters Tournament, operating the manual scoreboard on the third hole at Augusta National Golf Club, which offered a close-up view of professional play.[13] These experiences, combined with practice on local courses, honed his skills and instilled a lifelong affinity for the game. Mize's competitive journey started in junior events, where he won the Georgia Junior Championship at age 15 after competing in local tournaments during high school at Richmond Academy, where he helped lead the team to several victories.[12] By his late teens, these successes paved the way for his recruitment to Georgia Tech, where he continued to build his amateur career.[14]Collegiate achievements at Georgia Tech
Larry Mize enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1976, where he joined the Yellow Jackets golf team as a freshman and competed for three seasons through 1979.[15] Under head coach Jim Plaxico, who led the program from 1952 to 1983 and emphasized competitive drive drawn from his own background as a Tech track athlete, Mize emerged as a reliable low scorer in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) competitions and other collegiate events.[16][17] Plaxico's tenure included guiding the team through a transitional period in college golf, with Mize contributing to steady performances amid the program's shift toward more stroke-play formats.[18] Mize's most notable collegiate achievement came in 1978, when he qualified individually for the NCAA Championships held at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon. Representing Georgia Tech, he opened with a 77, followed by rounds of 79 and 81 for a three-round total of 237, though he did not advance to the final day of competition.[19] The following year, in 1979, Mize served as Georgia Tech's top performer at the ACC Championship, helping anchor the team's lineup during his senior season.[20] Reflecting on his college career later, Mize described himself as a solid but unflashy contributor who never secured an individual tournament victory or All-American recognition, focusing instead on consistent play within a developing program. After completing his senior season, Mize opted to forgo remaining coursework, turning professional in 1980 to pursue a career on the PGA Tour.[21] This decision allowed him to capitalize on his growing competitive experience, including exposure to high-level events like the NCAA Championships, while drawing on his Augusta roots for foundational golf knowledge honed in local junior and amateur circuits.[4]Key amateur victories
Mize's amateur career was marked by several significant victories that highlighted his talent and consistency in competitive play. In 1973, he won the Georgia Junior Championship. He also won the Georgia Junior Championship again in 1974.[12] He continued his success with wins in the Georgia Amateur in 1976 and 1977, solidifying his dominance in Georgia state golf and earning recognition as one of the top amateurs in the region.[12] On the national stage, Mize reached the final of the 1976 U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach Golf Links, where he finished runner-up after a loss to Bill Sander in the 36-hole match play final, a performance that showcased his ability against the nation's best young players. Internationally, Mize represented the United States in the 1976 Walker Cup at Lyford Cay in the Bahamas, contributing to the U.S. team's decisive 13.5–6.5 victory over Great Britain and Ireland in the biennial team competition. The following year, his selection to the 1978 Eisenhower Trophy team allowed him to compete for the U.S. in the World Amateur Team Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina, further elevating his profile as an elite amateur golfer.[22] These achievements, built on the foundation of his collegiate success at Georgia Tech, positioned Mize as a rising star ready for professional golf.Professional career
Turning professional and early PGA Tour years
After leaving Georgia Tech following three years of collegiate golf, Larry Mize turned professional in 1980 at the age of 22.[3][21] Mize's initial attempt at the PGA Tour Qualifying School that year was unsuccessful, leading him to compete on mini-tours in Florida while honing his game. He returned to Q-School in the fall of 1981 and earned his PGA Tour card, marking the start of his full-time professional career on the main circuit beginning with the 1982 season. The early years on the PGA Tour presented typical challenges for a newcomer, as Mize adapted to the competitive demands and travel schedule. Despite these hurdles, he established a reputation for reliability, finishing in the top 125 on the money list—a threshold for retaining full playing status—for 20 consecutive seasons from 1982 through 2001.[4] This consistency underscored his steady progress and commitment to the tour, allowing him to build a sustainable professional foundation without the immediate pressure of frequent victories.PGA Tour wins
Larry Mize secured three victories on the PGA Tour outside of major championships, demonstrating steady performance over a career marked by reliability rather than frequent dominance. These wins, spanning a decade, contributed to his total PGA Tour earnings of $7,947,092, reflecting his consistent top-125 finishes on the money list from 1982 to 2001.[23] His first PGA Tour triumph came at the 1983 Danny Thomas Memphis Classic, where the 24-year-old Mize closed with a two-under-par 70, including a birdie at the 18th hole, to edge out Tom Watson and Rex Caldwell by one stroke despite two thunderstorm interruptions during the final round.[24] This victory, in just his second full season on tour, highlighted his emerging poise under pressure following early professional challenges. Nearly a decade later, Mize ended a six-year U.S. win drought with a two-stroke victory at the 1993 Northern Telecom Open in Tucson, Arizona. He birdied two of the final four holes in the closing round to finish at 17-under par, overcoming a field that included strong contenders and marking his first PGA Tour win since 1987.[25] Later that year, Mize captured the 1993 Buick Open at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, shooting a final-round 4-under-par 68 to overcome Fuzzy Zoeller's four-stroke lead and win by one stroke at 16-under par overall.[26] This back-to-back success in 1993 underscored his ability to capitalize on opportunities in competitive fields, further solidifying his reputation for resilient play.Wins on international and other tours
Larry Mize achieved three victories on the Japan Golf Tour, demonstrating his competitive prowess on international circuits beyond the PGA Tour. His first win came at the 1988 Casio World Open, held at Ibusuki Golf Club's Kaimon Course in Kagoshima, where he finished at 284 (−4), edging out Masashi Ozaki by one stroke despite a double bogey in the final round.[27][28] This triumph marked Mize's debut success on the Japan Tour and showcased his resilience in overcoming setbacks during the tournament.[29] Building on that momentum, Mize captured the 1989 Dunlop Phoenix Tournament at Phoenix Country Club in Miyazaki, posting a tournament-record score of 272 (−16) to win by four strokes over Naomichi Ozaki.[30] His standout performance included an 8-under-par 64 in the second round, featuring an eagle and multiple birdies on the back nine, which propelled him to a two-shot lead at the halfway point.[31][32] Mize closed with a steady 68 in the final round to secure the $1.1 million event, solidifying his reputation among Japanese professionals.[33] Mize repeated as champion at the 1990 Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, again at Phoenix Country Club, finishing at 274 (−14) for a three-stroke victory over Naomichi Ozaki. Entering the final round with a three-shot lead, he navigated the course with four birdies and three bogeys in a 71, maintaining composure to claim the $1.54 million purse and defend his title successfully.[34][35] These consecutive wins at the prestigious event underscored his affinity for the Phoenix Country Club layout and contributed to his total earnings of over ¥161 million on the tour.[36] These international successes highlighted Mize's adaptability to diverse playing conditions and fields dominated by local talent, extending his professional longevity and appeal abroad.[14]Major championships
1987 Masters Tournament victory
Mize entered the 1987 Masters Tournament as a past invitee based on his strong recent performances on the PGA Tour. He got off to a solid start with opening rounds of 70 and 72, placing him in contention entering the weekend at two under par, one shot behind the leader.[1][37] In the third round, Mize carded another 72 to remain in contention, trailing by two strokes heading into Sunday. His final-round 71 included a crucial birdie on the 72nd hole, forcing a sudden-death playoff with Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman at three under par for the tournament (285). This performance marked Mize's only top-three finish in a major at that point, building on confidence from his two prior PGA Tour victories earlier in his career.[38][39] The playoff began on the par-4 10th hole, where all three players made par except Ballesteros, who bogeyed after a wayward approach and was eliminated. On the second extra hole, the par-4 11th, Mize and Norman both reached the green in regulation, but Mize's birdie putt from 15 feet stopped short, leaving him to chip from off the green for par. Facing a 140-foot chip from the right side, Mize executed a masterful bump-and-run that trickled into the cup for birdie, while Norman missed his birdie attempt from 30 feet, securing Mize's victory. This iconic shot is widely regarded as one of the most memorable in Masters history.[40][41] As the first Augusta native to win the tournament, Mize earned a lifetime exemption, enabling 40 consecutive appearances from 1984 through 2023. The victory propelled him to sixth on the 1987 PGA Tour money list with $561,407 in earnings. In the immediate aftermath, an emotional green jacket presentation by defending champion Jack Nicklaus on the 18th green drew widespread acclaim, with Mize tearfully embracing the moment amid roaring hometown support.[39][42][43]Results in other majors
Mize's best performance in the U.S. Open came in 1987 at the Olympic Club, where he finished tied for fourth after rounds of 71-68-72-72 for a total of 283, six strokes behind winner Scott Simpson.[44] He was in contention during the tournament, two strokes behind the leaders after 36 holes before fading slightly on the weekend. Other notable results included tied for 12th in 1988 at The Country Club and tied for 14th in 1990 at Medinah Country Club.[45] Mize made the cut in 24 of his 32 appearances, posting an average finish around 20th and showing particular strength on U.S. courses with firm, fast conditions similar to those at Shinnecock Hills, where he placed tied for 24th in 1986.[46] In the Open Championship, Mize debuted in 1981 at Royal St George's but gained more prominence after his Masters win, finishing tied for 26th in 1987 at Muirfield with rounds of 68-71-76-73 for 288.[47] His career best was tied for 11th in 1994 at Turnberry, where he shot a stunning third-round 64 to climb the leaderboard before a final-round 70 left him at 276, three strokes out of the playoff.[48] Additional strong showings included tied for 19th in 1989 at Royal Troon and tied for 27th in 1993 at Royal St George's.[49] Over 15 appearances, he made eight cuts, adapting well to links play in select years despite the event's demanding weather and terrain. Mize had a consistent record in the PGA Championship, with 28 starts and 18 cuts made, highlighted by multiple top-20 finishes. His strongest result was tied for sixth in 1984 at Shoal Creek, where he carded 71-69-67-73 for 280, seven strokes behind winner Lee Trevino.[45] He followed with tied for eighth in 1996 at Valhalla and tied for 12th in 1990 at Shoal Creek, demonstrating reliability in the PGA of America's marquee event. In 1983 at Canterbury Golf Club, Mize opened strongly with back-to-back 70s but closed with 75-75 for 290, finishing tied for 10th.[50] Across non-Masters majors, Mize amassed 69 starts and 50 cuts made, earning approximately $1.2 million in career prize money from these events. Notable near-misses included his 1986 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where steady play kept him in the mix early before wind-affected conditions impacted the field. His 1987 Masters victory secured lifetime exemptions, boosting invitations to these championships and allowing sustained participation through the 1990s.[51]Major championships timeline
Larry Mize competed in the four major championships throughout his professional career, with his participation spanning from 1983 to 2023, though the timeline here covers up to 2022 as per available records.| Year | Masters Tournament | U.S. Open | The Open Championship | PGA Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | ||||
| 1982 | ||||
| 1983 | T47 | |||
| 1984 | T11 | T6 | ||
| 1985 | CUT | T39 | T23 | |
| 1986 | T21 | T24 | T46 | T53 |
| 1987 | 1 (win) | T4 | T26 | CUT |
| 1988 | T45 | T12 | CUT | CUT |
| 1989 | T26 | T33 | T19 | T17 |
| 1990 | T14 | T14 | T31 | T12 |
| 1991 | T17 | T55 | CUT | CUT |
| 1992 | T6 | CUT | CUT | T40 |
| 1993 | T21 | CUT | T27 | CUT |
| 1994 | 3 | CUT | T11 | T15 |
| 1995 | T16 | CUT | CUT | CUT |
| 1996 | T23 | CUT | CUT | T8 |
| 1997 | T30 | T58 | CUT | T58 |
| 1998 | T25 | CUT | T50 | CUT |
| 1999 | 23 | 64 | CUT | CUT |
| 2000 | T25 | T37 | CUT | CUT |
| 2001 | T27 | CUT | CUT | |
| 2002 | T33 | |||
| 2003 | CUT | CUT | ||
| 2004 | T43 | CUT | ||
| 2005 | T42 | CUT | ||
| 2006 | T42 | CUT | ||
| 2007 | CUT | CUT | ||
| 2008 | CUT | CUT | ||
| 2009 | T30 | |||
| 2010 | CUT | |||
| 2011 | CUT | |||
| 2012 | CUT | |||
| 2013 | CUT | |||
| 2014 | 51 | |||
| 2015 | CUT | |||
| 2016 | T52 | |||
| 2017 | 52 | |||
| 2018 | CUT | |||
| 2019 | CUT | |||
| 2020 | CUT | |||
| 2021 | CUT | |||
| 2022 | CUT |