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Masters countdown, six days to go: The first six European Masters

European Masters champions: Sandy Lyle, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Jose Maria Olazabal, Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo

We continue our countdown to Augusta National with another iconic Masters image - the six men who enjoyed a spell of European dominance at the opening major of the year.

While Gary Player was the first non-American to win the Masters, Seve Ballesteros became the first European to be fitted for a Green Jacket with his breakthrough win in 1980.

Seve Ballesteros was the first European to win the Masters in 1980
Image: Seve Ballesteros was the first European to win the Masters in 1980

The Spaniard's swashbuckling style endeared him to the Augusta patrons who cheered him to another victory in 1983, but Seve had to settle for a share of second two years later as Bernhard Langer claimed a two-shot win.

Sandy Lyle's memorable second from the bunker in 1988 set up a birdie which earned him his second major title, and the Scot was presenting a Green Jacket to Nick Faldo 12 months later.

AUGUSTA,GA - APRIL 14: Ian Woosnam of Wales is presented with the green jacket by Nick Faldo of England after the final round of the Masters, held at The A
Image: Nick Faldo won back-to-back before presenting Ian Woosnam with his Green Jacket in 1991

Faldo edged out veteran Ray Floyd in 1990 to become only the second player after Jack Nicklaus to successfully defend the Masters, and he was dethroned by his Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Woosnam the following year.

Langer then made it six European wins in seven years, and Jose Maria Olazabal joined the party in 1994 before Faldo turned a six-shot deficit into a five-stroke win over the luckless Greg Norman in one of the most memorable final days in Augusta history in 1996.

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Olazabal earned his second Masters crown three years later, but proved to be the end of an era for European success until Danny Willett broke the drought last year.

The Masters Official Film - Ballesteros 1980

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