Masters countdown, five days to go: Tiger Woods smashes records

We continue our countdown to Augusta National with another iconic Masters image - the moment Tiger Woods completed a record-breaking performance to win his first major in 1997.

The hype and expectations surrounding Woods as he competed in his first Masters as a professional looked vastly overdone when he stuttered to the turn in 40 strokes in the opening round.

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But a crucial birdie at the 10th lifted his spirits and set the tone for a remarkable inward 30 which propelled him into outright fourth by the end of the day - just three behind early leader Jeff Huston.

Woods kept his momentum flowing with a superb 66 on the second day which earned him his first lead in a major championship, three clear of Colin Montgomerie, and he was in a class of his own on Saturday as he stormed nine clear of the chasing pack after firing an awe-inspiring 65.

Image: Tiger Woods slips on the Green Jacket for the first time after his record-breaking victory

The Augusta National layout was defenceless against the assault, and Woods' lead was never under any threat on the final day as he cruised to a 69 and a 12-shot win, and the Tiger era of dominance was under way.

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He didn't have a three-putt, he did not miss anything inside eight feet, and the manner in which he overpowered the course forced the Augusta committee to "Tiger proof" the layout over the following years.

The Masters Official Film - Woods 1997

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