Answer Summary
Tiger Woods' last Masters Tournament victory occurred in 2007, when he won by two strokes over Retief Goosen on April 14. This was his fifth Masters title and 14th major championship overall. The 2007 win marked his first major since 2005 and came during a period of sustained excellence at Augusta National, where he remains the tournament's most successful player in the modern era.
Tiger Woods at the Masters: An Overview
Tiger Woods first won the Masters in 1997 at age 21, turning Augusta National into the stage for one of golf's most remarkable early-career emergences. Over the next decade, he added three more green jackets at the tournament (2001, 2002, 2005), building a record that seemed untouchable. The Masters is widely considered one of Woods' strongest major championship performances, with four wins and multiple additional top finishes shaping his legacy within the sport's most iconic venue.
Chronology of Tiger Woods' Masters Wins
Woods appeared in 22 Masters tournaments between 1995 and 2022, claiming five green jackets and finishing in the top 10 on 16 occasions. His wins came across three distinct phases of his career, each reflecting different stages of his game and his competitive environment. Below is a summary of his key results at the Masters:
| Year | Winning Score | Margin of Victory | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | −18 (270) | 1 stroke | Tom Kite, Justin Leonard |
| 2001 | −16 (272) | 2 strokes | David Duval |
| 2002 | −8 (280) | 3 strokes | Rory Sabbatini |
| 2005 | −7 (281) | 4 strokes | Colin Montgomerie, Chris DiMarco |
| 2007 | −18 (270) | 2 strokes | Retief Goosen |
Why the 2007 Masters Was Significant
Coming into the 2007 tournament, Woods had not won a major championship since the 2005 U.S. Open, and questions about his consistency and form were growing. The 2007 win at Augusta was more than just another title; it reaffirmed his ability to compete at the highest level under the unique pressures of the Masters. The victory extended his overall major championship total to 14 and reinforced his status as one of the most accomplished players in golf history. It also set the tone for a return to form that included additional PGA Tour successes in the years that followed.
Performance Context and Competitive Landscape
Each of Woods' Masters victories occurred within a different competitive environment. The 1997 win was part of a dominant rookie season on tour, while the 2001–2002 victories came during a period of clear supremacy. By 2005, the field had evolved, with new generations of players emerging. In 2007, Woods faced a strong international contingent and navigated challenging conditions to secure the title. Understanding these contexts helps explain how each victory contributed differently to his legacy and the broader narrative of the tournament.
Common Misconceptions About Woods' Masters Record
Some assumptions about Woods' Masters results do not align with the official record. For example, his last win at the tournament is sometimes confused with earlier or later attempts, and the number of his victories is occasionally miscounted. Another point of confusion involves his finishes after 2007, where he contended on multiple occasions but did not add to his total. Clarifying these details helps separate fact from narrative and ensures that his achievements are understood accurately.
The Last Win: 2007 in Detail
In the 2007 Masters, Woods started with consistent rounds, built a lead through careful course management, and closed with a performance that demonstrated both skill and resilience. Facing pressure from Retief Goosen in the final pairing, he maintained composure and avoided major mistakes. The 270 total score reflected a balanced mix of aggressive play and strategic decision-making, culminating in a two-stroke margin that stands as his final green jacket. This victory remains a benchmark in his major championship portfolio and continues to influence how his career is assessed.
Legacy and Continued Influence at Augusta
Even without additional wins after 2007, Woods' impact on the Masters is evident in the records he set and the standards he established. He holds the record for most wins at the tournament and has influenced generations of players who have followed in his footsteps. His presence at the tournament, whether competing, attending, or involved in ceremonial roles, continues to shape the event's identity and its place within the broader golf world.
Key Takeaways
- Tiger Woods won his last Masters Tournament in 2007, finishing at −18 and defeating Retief Goosen by two strokes.
- He holds five Masters titles, making him the most successful player in the tournament's modern history.
- The 2007 win reaffirmed his ability to compete at the highest level and contributed to his 14 major championship total.
- His performances at Augusta span multiple eras of the tournament, reflecting evolving competition and sustained excellence.
- Clarifying facts around his wins helps maintain an accurate understanding of his legacy and the significance of each victory.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many times did Tiger Woods win the Masters?
Tiger Woods won the Masters five times: in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2007.
What was Tiger Woods' final score at the 2007 Masters?
His final score at the 2007 Masters was −18 (270), earning him a two-stroke victory.
Did Tiger Woods ever win the Masters after 2007?
No. Woods did not win the Masters again after 2007, though he remained competitive in several later tournaments.
Who did Tiger Woods beat in the 2007 Masters?
He defeated Retief Goosen by two strokes to claim his final Masters title. The 2007 win was his last major at the time and marked a return to form following a multi-year major drought, reinforcing his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.