Byron Nelson, Jimmy Demaret, Henry Picard, Horton Smith, Ben Hogan, Craig Wood, Claude Harmon, Gene Sarazen, and Sam Snead pose at the Champions Clinic during the 1953 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April 1953 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)
Paired with defending champion Sam Snead, Byron Nelson put the Slammer down for par on the final hole, when in reality it was a three. Snead signed the card, then departed to the Par 3 Course for afternoon fishing. After reeling in two large mouths at Ike’s Pond, Snead showered and changed into a dark blue suit before entering the clubhouse for dinner. Inside he was greeted by Furman Bisher, the famed scribe for the Atlanta Constitution, who desired a quote on the scoring blunder.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Snead said.
Bisher had broken the news. Sam’s opening round 70 was now 71, but it wasn’t just the scorecard that changed – it was Snead’s head. A day later, the Virginian remained focused on Byron’s error. “Why do these things always happen to me?” Snead muttered to no one in particular.
Denny Shute, winner of the 1933 British Open and two-time PGA champ, rationalized with Snead, saying, “Oh, well. Go out and birdie No. 1 and make up for it today.”
“I can birdie No. 1 but I’ll never get that stroke back,” said Snead, ignoring the encouragement. “It’s gone forever.”
Snead crashed to a Friday 75 and was out of contention. The defending champion tied for 16th, the only time from 1949 to 1957 where he didn’t place in the top eight.
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