E-Paper
Late birdie blitz gives Schwartzel Green Jacket
South African Charl Schwartzel birdied the last four holes in a grandstand finish to clinch his first major title by two strokes at the Masters on Sunday, ending a wild afternoon of brilliant shot-making.
South African Charl Schwartzel birdied the last four holes in a grandstand finish to clinch his first major title by two strokes at the Masters on Sunday, ending a wild afternoon of brilliant shot-making.
Schwartzel, who began the final round at Augusta National four strokes off the pace, showed nerves of steel as he rolled in a 20-footer on the 18th green to complete a six-under-par 66, the lowest score of the day.
The 26-year-old threw both arms skywards in jubilation after his ball dropped into the cup to give him a 14-under total of 274 in the season's opening major.
Schwartzel, who launched his round with a sizzling birdie-par-eagle run, became the third South African to win the Masters, following Gary Player (1961, 1974 and 1978) and Trevor Immelman (2008).
"Walking up 18 was such a special feeling," Schwartzel told reporters after claiming his first U.S. PGA Tour title in only his second Masters appearance.
"I only had a one-shot lead, so you don't want to get too excited about it. You've still got to win the golf tournament. But it just really felt good.
"It was such an exciting day with so many roars. The atmosphere out there was just incredible. A phenomenal day."
Woods falls short
Four-time champion Tiger Woods, seeking his first tournament victory in nearly 17 months, had to settle for a tie for fourth after closing with a 67. Woods finished at 10 under with Australian Geoff Ogilvy (67) and Briton Luke Donald (69).
