The Shot Heard 'Round The World: Unpacking Gene Sarazen's Iconic Masters Double Eagle

Gene Sarazen's Double Eagle at the 1935 Masters Tournament is not just a moment in golf history; it is arguably the single most important shot ever struck at Augusta National, a feat so monumental it literally saved the fledgling tournament and earned the moniker "The Shot Heard 'Round the World." As of December 15, 2025, this legendary stroke continues to define the drama and mystique of the Masters, a testament to the skill and determination of one of golf's greatest pioneers, "The Squire."

This deep dive explores the man, the context, and the enduring legacy of the double eagle that propelled Sarazen to victory and forever etched the 15th hole into golf lore, transforming a promising new event into the tradition unlike any other we know today.

Gene Sarazen: The Squire's Full Biography and Career Grand Slam

Gene Sarazen was a golfing titan whose career spanned over five decades, establishing him as one of the sport's most influential figures. Born Eugenio Saraceni, he adopted the professional-sounding name Gene Sarazen early in his career to honor his Italian heritage and passion for the game.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

He was the first golfer in history to achieve the coveted Career Grand Slam, a monumental achievement of winning all four modern major championships.

• Full Name: Eugenio Saraceni
• Nickname: The Squire
• Born: February 27, 1902, in Harrison, New York, U.S.
• Died: May 13, 1999, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 97.
• Professional Wins: 39 PGA Tour victories.
• Major Championships (7 Total):
  • Masters Tournament: 1 (1935)
  • PGA Championship: 3 (1922, 1923, 1933)
  • U.S. Open: 2 (1922, 1932)
  • The Open Championship (British Open): 1 (1932)
• Key Innovation: Sarazen is credited with inventing the modern sand wedge in the early 1930s, revolutionizing bunker play.

His impressive haul of seven major titles and his pioneering status as the first Career Grand Slam winner solidify his place in the pantheon of golf legends, even before considering his most famous shot.

The Context: Why the 1935 Masters Needed a Miracle

The Masters Tournament, co-founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, was only in its second year in 1935, and it was struggling to gain the national attention and prestige it desperately needed.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The inaugural 1934 event was a success, but the new tournament was still viewed as a regional exhibition compared to the established U.S. Open and PGA Championship. Augusta National's nines were even switched for the 1935 tournament, a sign of the organizers still experimenting with the course.

Going into the final round, Sarazen was three shots behind the leader, Craig Wood, who was already in the clubhouse with a score of 282. The tournament seemed all but over, set for a quiet finish.

Sarazen reached the par-5 15th hole, known as "Firethorn," needing to make up the deficit quickly. The hole played 485 yards at the time. A birdie (one under par) would have been excellent, but a par would have virtually ended his chances.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The dramatic turn of events on the 15th hole provided the exact kind of electrifying, improbable moment that a new major championship needed to capture the public's imagination and elevate its status.

The Shot Heard 'Round the World: A Double Eagle for the Ages

On Monday, April 8, 1935 (the final round was delayed by rain), Sarazen stood on the 15th fairway. After a solid drive, he was left with a long second shot over the pond guarding the green. He was 235 yards from the pin.

Sarazen chose his 4-wood—a club known for its distance and low trajectory—for the shot. The ball soared high, cleared the water, landed on the green, and began to roll toward the hole.

As the small gallery watched, the ball disappeared into the cup for a Double Eagle (three under par on a single hole), also known as an Albatross.

The double eagle immediately erased his three-shot deficit, tying him with Craig Wood at 6-under par. The roar from the gallery was so immense and the news so shocking that the moment was instantly dubbed "The Shot Heard 'Round the World."

The Aftermath: Playoff Victory and Enduring Legacy

The dramatic double eagle forced an 18-hole playoff the following day, which was then extended to 36 holes. Sarazen dominated the playoff, shooting a 144 (even par) to defeat Craig Wood by five strokes, securing his only Masters victory.

The true legacy of the double eagle extends far beyond the green jacket. It provided the Masters with its first transcendent moment of drama and established its reputation for thrilling, late-round heroics.

To commemorate this incredible feat, the bridge over the creek on the 15th hole was officially named the Sarazen Bridge in 1955. It features a plaque that reads: "Erected to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the famous 'double eagle' scored by Gene Sarazen on this hole, April 7, 1935, which gained him a tie for first place with Craig Wood."

The shot remains a symbol of clutch performance under the highest pressure. While other golfers have since recorded a double eagle at the Masters (only four have ever been made on the 15th hole), none have carried the same historical weight as Sarazen's. It was the moment the Masters truly arrived on the global stage, forever linking the tournament's identity to the impossible brilliance of The Squire and his iconic 4-wood.