April 13, 1942 – Talk about a tightly contested match. At the 9th US Masters Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club, two legends battled it out. Byron Nelson won an 18-hole playoff by 1 stroke over runner-up Ben Hogan.
Hogan made a magnificent run at the end as he overcame an 8-stroke lead by Nelson to force the playoff. Byron would regain his composure after the break and the two battled back and forth around the Augusta course in the extra round. Hogan surged early and held a three-stroke lead after the sixth hole.
Nelson did not give up and went on a run of his own, playing the next 8 holes at 6 under par. Now up by 2, Byron closed out Ben on the 16th with a birdie to end the match. The two weary combatants shook hands and Byron Nelson donned the green jacket.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
