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Cape Town - Louis Oosthuizen’s moment of Masters magic - his albatross during the final round at Augusta National - has been voted by fans as the 2012 European Tour Shot of the Year.
The first albatross at the par-5 second hole in the history of the Masters tournament was greeted by one of Augusta National’s famous roars, as the South African’s perfect 253-yard four iron pitched at the front of the green before rolling down the contours and dropping in the hole.
VIDEO: Louis Oosthuizen's albatross at the Masters
According to the European Tour website, Oosthuizen’s stunning stroke was voted the European Tour Shot of the Year by fans of My European Tour in the annual poll featuring all the Shot of the Month award winners from the 2012 season.
With more than 46% of the votes polled, Oosthuizen narrowly beat Justin Rose’s huge birdie putt across the 17th green in his match against American Phil Mickelson on the final day of the 2012 Ryder Cup, which received 40% of the votes.
Oosthuizen’s electrifying start to the final round at Augusta National took him into the lead and, while he was eventually denied victory by Bubba Watson in a playoff, the albatross will always hold a place in the record books.
“It has to be the most memorable shot of my career so far,” said Oosthuizen, who moved into fourth position in the latest world rankings following his sixth European Tour title at last weekend's Volvo Golf Champions.
“To have an albatross is rare enough, but to have one in the final round at Augusta when you’re in contention to win the Masters was very special, and something I’ll always remember when I look back on my career.
“I knew the shot was good as soon as I’d hit it, but I didn’t know just how good until I heard the cheers from the people behind the green. Augusta is really known for its Sunday roars, so to hear the noise when the ball dropped into the hole was a great feeling. Unfortunately I couldn’t quite finish the job off in the afternoon, but winning the European Tour Shot of the Year is some consolation. There were hundreds or even thousands of great shots hit on the European Tour last year, so for mine to be voted the best is a huge honour.”
The first albatross at the par-5 second hole in the history of the Masters tournament was greeted by one of Augusta National’s famous roars, as the South African’s perfect 253-yard four iron pitched at the front of the green before rolling down the contours and dropping in the hole.
VIDEO: Louis Oosthuizen's albatross at the Masters
According to the European Tour website, Oosthuizen’s stunning stroke was voted the European Tour Shot of the Year by fans of My European Tour in the annual poll featuring all the Shot of the Month award winners from the 2012 season.
With more than 46% of the votes polled, Oosthuizen narrowly beat Justin Rose’s huge birdie putt across the 17th green in his match against American Phil Mickelson on the final day of the 2012 Ryder Cup, which received 40% of the votes.
Oosthuizen’s electrifying start to the final round at Augusta National took him into the lead and, while he was eventually denied victory by Bubba Watson in a playoff, the albatross will always hold a place in the record books.
“It has to be the most memorable shot of my career so far,” said Oosthuizen, who moved into fourth position in the latest world rankings following his sixth European Tour title at last weekend's Volvo Golf Champions.
“To have an albatross is rare enough, but to have one in the final round at Augusta when you’re in contention to win the Masters was very special, and something I’ll always remember when I look back on my career.
“I knew the shot was good as soon as I’d hit it, but I didn’t know just how good until I heard the cheers from the people behind the green. Augusta is really known for its Sunday roars, so to hear the noise when the ball dropped into the hole was a great feeling. Unfortunately I couldn’t quite finish the job off in the afternoon, but winning the European Tour Shot of the Year is some consolation. There were hundreds or even thousands of great shots hit on the European Tour last year, so for mine to be voted the best is a huge honour.”
