3 Charles Coody
Little known American Charles Coody won the 1971 Masters by two shots over the fearsome duo of Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller.
In true major snatcher style, Coody birdied the 15th and 16th as the more famous players stuttered and fell away. Miller in particular was left wondering how he threw away a two shot lead after 14 on the final day. It seems likely that he and Nicklaus were watching each other rather than the unfancied Coody who overtook them on the inside.
Coody’s caddie was a colourful character nicknamed “Cricket” who had taken a sickie from his job as a bus driver to tote Charles’ bag. With Coody contending, Cricket tried unsuccessfully to disguise himself with a towel under his hat to avoid being rumbled via the TV coverage.
Winner of two minor tournaments some years earlier, Coody, of course, never won again on the tour. Cricket, however, managed to keep his job.
