April 13--There are some remarkable similarities between Jordan Spieth's first Masters victory this weekend and Tiger Woods' first win at Augusta National in 1997. Both golfers earned the green jacket at 21 years old with a shared scoring record of 270 (18 under).
Spieth established another record with 28 birdies but, if you must compare, the numbers for Woods become more impressive after that.
The 1997 Masters was his first start as a professional at Augusta National and his first crack at a major championship. The course may have been shorter, but it was tougher and Woods blew away the field by 12 shots. As the first African American to win the green jacket, he also had more of an influence on his sport, as evidenced by soaring television ratings.
The victory triggered a historic career that put golf back in the spotlight. The rising popularity and corporate sponsorship he attracted had a lot to do with the winner's purse jumping from $486,000 in 1997 to $1.8 million by 2015.
Category Woods Spieth
Age 21 yrs-3 mos. 21 yrs-8 mos.
Previous PGA Tour starts 28 67
Previous PGA Tour wins 2 2
Masters start (as pro) 1st 2nd
Majors start (as pro) 1st 8th
Score 270 (-18) 270 (-18)
Margin of victory 12 shots 4 shots
Purse $486,000 $1.8 million
Birdies 21 (2 eagles) 28 (Masters record)
Bogeys 7 8 (1 double)
Sunday TV ratings/share 14.1/31 9.6/20
