The 2000 Masters Tournament, held April 6–9 at Augusta National Golf Club, concluded with Fiji’s Vijay Singh capturing his first Green Jacket and second major championship. Singh finished with a 10-under-par 278, securing a three-stroke victory over Ernie Els. The tournament is historically significant for its challenging weather conditions, Jack Nicklaus’s remarkable performance at age 60, and its position as the final major before the inception of the "Tiger Slam."
As we look back from 2026, the 2000 Masters remains a cornerstone of modern golf history. It represented a brief moment where the "Big Three" of the early 2000s—Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els—battled for supremacy at the height of their physical powers. While Tiger Woods entered as the heavy favorite, the week belonged to Singh, whose legendary work ethic and ball-striking culminated in a masterclass of patience on Augusta’s treacherous undulating greens.
The Pre-Tournament Landscape: Tiger vs. the Field
Heading into April 2000, the narrative of professional golf was singular: Tiger Woods. Having won the 1999 PGA Championship and embarking on a historic winning streak early in the 2000 season, Woods arrived at Augusta National as the man to beat. The "Tiger-proofing" of Augusta had begun to be discussed in earnest, though the massive course lengthening projects were still largely in the future.
Vijay Singh, conversely, was respected but often overlooked by the mainstream media. Despite winning the 1998 PGA Championship, Singh was frequently seen as a "range rat"—a player more comfortable hitting thousands of balls than engaging with the press. His preparation for the 2000 Masters was meticulous, focusing on a lower ball flight to combat the swirling spring winds that often plague the Georgia pines in early April.
Thursday, April 6: The Windy Opening Salvo
The first round of the 2000 Masters was defined by brutal, gusty winds that reached up to 30 mph. These conditions made the already difficult Augusta National nearly unplayable for much of the field. The scoring average was significantly higher than usual, and many favorites found themselves out of contention before the first sunset.
- The Leader: Dennis Paulson emerged as the surprise leader after carding a 4-under 68. In a field of legends, Paulson’s ability to navigate the wind was the story of the day.
- The Favorites Struggle: Tiger Woods struggled immensely with his putting, posting a 3-over-par 75. It was his worst opening round at the Masters since turning professional, leaving him seven strokes back and leading many to wonder if the "Tiger Era" was hitting a temporary ceiling.
- Vijay Singh’s Steady Start: Singh managed a respectable even-par 72. While not a flashy score, it placed him firmly in the hunt while others, like Sergio Garcia (80) and Phil Mickelson (71), fought to find consistency.
The primary milestone of Round 1 was the realization that the 2000 Masters would be a test of attrition rather than a birdie-fest. The wind dried out the greens, making them lightning-fast and emphasizing the importance of approach shot placement.
Friday, April 7: The Legend of Jack Nicklaus
If the first round was about survival, the second round was about nostalgia and the enduring class of the game’s greatest champions. At 60 years old, Jack Nicklaus—a six-time Masters winner—delivered a performance that echoed through the Amen Corner.
- The Golden Bear’s 70: Nicklaus shot a 2-under 70, making the cut with ease and sitting just a few strokes off the lead at one point during the day. His ability to compete with players a third of his age captivated the gallery and remains one of the most celebrated senior milestones in Masters history.
- Singh Makes His Move: Vijay Singh carded a brilliant 5-under 67, the best round of the day. This propelled him into a tie for the lead with David Duval at 5-under par. Singh’s iron play was clinical; he repeatedly found the correct quadrants of the greens, leaving himself manageable uphill putts.
- The Cut: The cut fell at 151 (+7), claiming several notable names. However, the stage was set for a weekend showdown between the world’s elite.
Saturday, April 8: Moving Day and Singh’s Separation
"Moving Day" at Augusta is traditionally when the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders. In 2000, the weather calmed slightly, but the pressure mounted.
Vijay Singh began the day tied with David Duval, but as the round progressed, Singh’s mental fortitude became his greatest asset. While Duval struggled with his consistency, Singh remained unflappable.
- Singh’s Consistency: Singh posted a 2-under 70. This was not a round of spectacular highlights, but rather a disciplined execution of a game plan. He avoided the "big miss" that often ruins a scorecard at Augusta.
- The Chasing Pack: David Duval slipped with a 74, while Ernie Els and Loren Roberts began to creep up the leaderboard. Tiger Woods carded a 68 to move into a tie for 6th, but he remained six shots behind Singh.
- The Milestone Lead: Singh ended the day at 7-under par, holding a three-stroke lead over David Duval and a four-stroke lead over Els. This was the first time Singh had held a 54-hole lead at the Masters, testing his ability to close out a major under the most intense scrutiny in sports.
Sunday, April 9: The Final Charge and the Green Jacket
The final round of the 2000 Masters saw a leaderboard filled with major champions. Singh was paired with Duval, but the real threat came from the "Big Easy," Ernie Els, who was playing one of the most balanced games of his career.
The Front Nine Battle
Singh started solidly, but the nerves were evident. A bogey at the 2nd hole narrowed his lead. However, he steadied the ship with a birdie at the 6th. Meanwhile, Ernie Els was making a charge, birdying several holes to apply pressure. Tiger Woods also attempted a legendary Sunday charge, but despite his best efforts, he could not overcome the deficit created on Thursday.
Amen Corner and the Closing Holes
The 2000 Masters was effectively decided at the par-5 13th and 15th holes.
- The 13th (Azalea): Singh chose to play conservatively when necessary but capitalized on his length. He secured a crucial birdie that padded his lead back to three strokes.
- The 15th (Firethorn): After a nervous moment where he flirted with the water, Singh safely navigated the par-5, effectively ending the hopes of Ernie Els.
Singh finished with a final-round 69 (−3). His total of 278 (−10) was three clear of Els and six clear of David Duval and Loren Roberts. Tiger Woods finished in 5th place at 4-under par.
The Ceremony
In the Butler Cabin, the 1999 champion José María Olazábal helped Vijay Singh into his first Green Jacket. Singh’s victory was a milestone for global golf, marking only the second time a player from the South Pacific/Asia region had won the Masters (after Australia's Adam Scott would eventually win in 2013, though Singh remains the only Fijian to do so).
Detailed Timeline of Scoring and Milestones
| Round | Leader(s) | Singh Score | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Dennis Paulson (-4) | 72 (E) | High winds cause field average to spike; Tiger shoots 75. |
| Round 2 | Singh, Duval (-5) | 67 (-5) | Jack Nicklaus (60) shoots 70; Singh takes co-lead. |
| Round 3 | Vijay Singh (-7) | 70 (-2) | Singh establishes 3-shot lead; Duval fades slightly. |
| Round 4 | Vijay Singh (-10) | 69 (-3) | Singh wins by 3; Tiger finishes 5th before starting "Tiger Slam." |
Technical Analysis: Why Vijay Singh Won
Singh’s victory was not a fluke of luck but a result of specific technical advantages he held over the field in April 2000.
1. Ball Flight Control
The 2000 tournament was characterized by wind. Singh, known for his "power fade," was able to keep the ball lower than players like Phil Mickelson or Tiger Woods, who often hit higher, high-spin shots. This allowed Singh’s ball to be less affected by the gusts over the tops of the Georgia pines.
2. Putting on "Glass"
Augusta’s greens in 2000 were stimped at approximately 13-14, which was nearly unheard of for the era's technology. Singh, who often struggled with the putter throughout his career, used a belly-putter style or a very long-grip approach at various times, but during this week, his lag putting was exceptional. He avoided three-putts on the most dangerous slopes, specifically on holes 10 and 12.
3. Physical Conditioning
In 2000, Singh was one of the few players who matched Tiger Woods in terms of gym work and practice volume. As the leaders fatigued during a grueling, windy week, Singh’s stamina allowed him to maintain his swing speed through the final holes on Sunday.
The Aftermath: The "Tiger Slam" Context
The 2000 Masters holds a unique place in the record books as the "one that got away" for Tiger Woods during his peak. Immediately following this tournament, Woods went on to win:
- The 2000 U.S. Open (by 15 strokes)
- The 2000 Open Championship (by 8 strokes)
- The 2000 PGA Championship
- The 2001 Masters
Had Woods won the 2000 Masters, he would have achieved a true Calendar Year Grand Slam in 2000. Instead, Singh’s victory forced the creation of the term "Tiger Slam" (holding all four majors simultaneously but not in the same calendar year). This historical nuance makes Singh’s 2000 victory even more significant—he was the only player to stop the most dominant force in golf history from achieving the impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2000 US Masters?
Vijay Singh won the 2000 Masters with a total score of 278 (-10). He defeated Ernie Els by three strokes to claim his only Green Jacket and his second career major title.
How did Tiger Woods perform in the 2000 Masters?
Tiger Woods finished in 5th place with a total score of 4-under par. He was hampered by a disappointing opening round of 75 (+3) in high winds, though he recovered with rounds of 72, 68, and 69.
Did Jack Nicklaus make the cut in 2000?
Yes. At age 60, Jack Nicklaus not only made the cut but shot a remarkable second-round 70 (-2). He eventually finished in a tie for 54th place, proving he could still compete at the highest level well into his senior years.
What were the weather conditions like during the tournament?
The 2000 Masters was famously windy, particularly during the first and second rounds. Gusts reached 30 mph, making club selection difficult and drying out the greens, which led to higher-than-average scores across the field on Thursday.
What was the total prize money for the 2000 Masters?
The total purse for the 2000 Masters was $4.6 million, with Vijay Singh receiving $828,000 for his first-place finish. For context, as of 2026, the winner's share has increased significantly, often exceeding $3 million.
Expert Recommendation for Historians and Fans
For those looking to understand the technical evolution of the game, studying the 2000 Masters is essential. It serves as the bridge between the "Classic Era" of the 1980s-90s and the "Modern Power Era."
If you are a golfer looking to improve your game based on Singh's performance, focus on ball flight modulation. Singh’s ability to "flight" his irons—hitting them lower to keep them under the wind—is a skill that remains vital for success at Augusta. Watching highlights of his approach shots on the 13th and 15th holes from that Sunday provides a blueprint for managing pressure through technical precision rather than raw aggression.
