When the name Ben Hogan is mentioned the association with steely nerves and consummate shotmaking are often cited.<\/p>\n

The 1946 Masters saw the return to Augusta following a three-year absence because of World War II. Hogan was making his way up the ladder of success but when the 33-year-old arrived in Augusta he had not yet won a major championship.<\/p>\n

Hogan trailed by five shots behind relatively unknown Herman Keiser. He made up the difference upon reaching the 18th, a par-4 would mean a tie at the top of the leaderboard with Keiser.<\/p>\n

Ben’s approach finished 12 feet away from the hole and it appeared a final birdie was in store for the victory. But golf can be a cruel sport. Hogan uncharacteristically three-putted on the slick surface and lost by a shot. Interestingly, Hogan’s failure was matched similarly by Keiser who played in the group in front of Ben.<\/p>\n

Hogan would earn his first major title four months later in August at the PGA Championship at age 34. For many golfers the debilitating failure at Augusta could have been a major loss of confidence and a mental train wreck tone can never overcome.<\/p>\n

Hogan’s will to win remained resolute even after a near fatal car accident that took place in 1949. His return in 1950 would mean capturing six major titles in a three-year period culminating with three such wins in 1953.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arnie’s mental blank out \/ 1961 Masters<\/h4>\n

As he stood on the 18th tee during the final round of the 1961 Masters the intersection of history and Arnold Palmer was front and center. A final par-4 on the closing hole would make Arnie the first golfer to successfully defend his title in the storied event.<\/p>\n

Palmer played his tee shot well into the fairway and after leaving the teeing area he noticed an acquaintance in the gallery who congratulated him on his pending victory. Palmer acknowledged the gesture and at that moment the resolute focus that had propelled him to that point was broken.<\/p>\n

Palmer would hit six-iron into the right greenside bunker and his recovery flew the green. The resulting chip shot back onto the putting surface left him a 12-foot putt to secure a playoff spot with Gary Player who finished before him. Arnie would miss the putt and elevate Player in becoming the first foreign born golfer to win the green jacket.<\/p>\n

In the years to follow Palmer would win two more Masters (1962 and 1964) but the lingering memories of that stinging defeat remained of when his focus shifted when he needed to be ever mindful that nothing is truly over until it is.<\/p>\n