Has anyone won the Masters on their debut?

The Masters Tournament, founded in 1934 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, is one of golf’s four major championships, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club. It remains the only major played at the same course every year, featuring a select invitation-only field. The course, originally designed by Jones and Alister MacKenzie, has undergone multiple renovations throughout the years.

The Masters Tournament is defined by long-standing traditions, including the awarding of the green jacket in 1949 and the Champions Dinner, introduced by Ben Hogan in 1952. An honorary tee shot by past legends marks the start of play, while the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday offers a lighter prelude. Also, the caddies of the golfers are required to wear a white jumpsuit, white tennis shoes, and a green Masters cap as a uniform.

Has Anyone Won the Masters on Their Debut?

Yes, Horton Smith (1934), Gene Sarazen (1935), and Fuzzy Zoeller (1979) won the Masters Tournament in their first appearance, according to Golf Monthly. As of March 2025, the event has had 88 champions, including 18 multiple champions, with Jack Nicklaus holding the record for the most wins with six. Tiger Woods has five, Arnold Palmer has four, and there are further three- and two-time champions. Interestingly, only three players have won the Masters Tournament on their debut appearance at the event.

Horton Smith (1934)

American golfer Horton Smith won the first edition of the Masters, held in 1934. Horton Smith won the tournament with an overall score of -4 against Craig Wood of America. At that time, the winner's share was $1,500. Horton Smith won the Masters twice in his career. The second victory came in 1936 by defeating Harry Cooper of England with an overall score of -3. Smith had already won 17 pro tournaments before winning the Masters for the first time.

Smith was born on May 22, 1908, and turned professional in 1926. Over his career, he won 34 professional events, including two majors, both at the Masters Tournament. He was the recipient of the Ben Hogan Award in 1960 and the Bob Jones Award in 1962. He served during World War II and was released with the rank of captain. From 1952 to 1954, he also served as President of the PGA of America. However, at the age of 55, on October 15, 1963, he passed away due to lung cancer. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1990.

Gene Sarazen (1935)

American golfer Gene Sarazen was the second golfer to win the Masters in his first appearance. In the second edition of the Masters in 1934, Sarazen scored a double eagle during the third round and won the tournament. Sarazen scored an overall score of -6 and defeated American golfer Craig Wood. Wood was the runner-up in the first edition as well.

Sarazen was born on February 27, 1920, and turned professional in 1920. He won 48 professional wins, including seven major championships, completing his career grand slam. He was the longest hitter in his day, and he continued to be the honorary tee-shot starter for the Masters Tournament even after he retired. He also served as the host of the show "Wonderful World of Golf." His 75-year endorsement deal with Wilson Sporting Goods, which ran from 1923 until his death, is still the longest in professional sports. In 1962, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He passed away on May 13, 1999, at the age of 97, from pneumonia.

Fuzzy Zoeller (1979)

Fuzzy Zoeller of America is the most recent winner of the Masters in his first appearance. Zoeller won his first Masters in 1979 by defeating Ed Sneed and Tom Watson by finishing at -8.

Fuzzy Zoeller, aka Frank Urban Zoeller Jr., was born on November 11, 1951, and turned professional in 1973. He was the recipient of the 1985 Bob Jones Award. He has won 19 professional wins, including two majors: the 1979 Masters Tournament andthe 1984 U.S. Open. He also won the Senior PGA Championship in 2002.

Also read: How Do You Qualify for the Masters Championship?