Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 26, 1994 TAG: 9404260063
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PENHOOK LENGTH: Medium
So what. It's the one he did make that forever guaranteed Mize a spot in golf's lore.
In what's arguably the greatest chip shot in golf history, especially considering the circumstances, Mize holed a sand wedge runner from 140 feet to beat Greg Norman on the second hole of sudden death at the 1987 Masters.
"No matter what I ever do in the game, I will probably always be remembered for that shot," Mize said. "I could probably win another Masters and I'd still probably be remembered for the chip-in.
"The chances of making it were slim and none. The whole, amazing thing about the shot was the timing. To chip in on Sunday in regulation is one thing, but to chip in to beat the No. 1 player in the world in a playoff is something else. It's still mind-boggling in some ways."
A fluke in other ways, some said.
"Yeah, I admit it bothered me that people called it that at first but it doesn't anymore," Mize said. "People can think what they want but golf tournaments are more than one shot. That one sticks out, but I played really good to get to that point, hit a really good chip shot that went in, and I won the golf tournament."
Mize said he has "the shot" on videotape, but doesn't view it on a regular basis.
"I probably haven't watched it enough," Mize said. "I think I really tried to put it behind me too much and it messed me up a little. But no matter what, they can never take it away from me."
Nor can anyone take away Mize's memories.
"Hopefully, you'll be remembered for other things like the stand you make or how you live your life," Mize said. "But I doubt that will ever be the case."
Mize, a devoutly religious man, made his guest appearance in conjunction with Liberty University's first PGA-Celebrity Classic. Mize donated his $10,000 appearance fee to the College Golf Fellowship organization, which is led by fellow pro Rik Massengale.
"Rik called me and asked if I would be willing to help out," Mize said. "Rik and Frank [Landrey, Liberty golf coach] do a fine job of sharing the the gospel with the kids.
"So I'm doing this to help out the Fellowship and Liberty's golf program a little bit. It's a great school with fine kids. After what's happened today, I'm glad I came."
Mize played the picturesque par-3 7th hole and posed for pictures with each of the 22 competing foursomes.
After playing the 164-yard hole that features a green surrounded almost completely by Smith Mountain Lake 22 times over a 4 1/2 hour span, Mize quipped: "I think I'll be playing this hole in my sleep tonight. I'll probably have nightmares . . . nah, just kidding."
How about trying it blindfolded, Larry?
"If you could line me up, I think I could do all right."
A miracle shot, you say? Remember, Larry Mize is an expert on that subject.
by CNB