Countdown to the Masters 2011 – Day 20: Dan Pohl’s purple patch
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Welcome to Day 20 of the Today’s Golfer Countdown to The Masters 2011. Every day from February 17th until the big day when the season’s first Major tees off, April 7th, we will be bringing you some of our favourite memorable moments from The Masters since the tournament started in 1934.
You’ve probably never heard of Dan Pohl. But don’t feel bad because neither had most of the people watching the 1982 Masters. That is, until the debutant went on the charge in the third round.
Saturday is often described as ‘moving day’ and the unheralded American catapulted himself into contention with a stunning four holes. The two-time PGA Tour winner picked up six shots by going eagle, eagle, birdie, birdie from the 13th to the 16th.
In doing so he became the first player to make back-to-back eagles in Masters history. A feat since equaled by Dustin Johnson in 2009 and Phil Mickelson on his way to victory last year.
Pohl made the cut by five shots with a pair of 75s on Thursday and Friday and his third round purple patch fired him to a 67, six shots behind leader Craig Stadler.
He continued this blistering form into the final day and shot another 67. Stadler could only manage a 73 and the pair finished tied on -4.
There was no fairytale ending for Pohl who missed a six-footer on the first extra hole to hand the title to his opponent.
This runners-up finish was sandwiched between third places at the 1981 PGA Championship and 1982 US Open, but Pohl was never able to win a Major.
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