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.
{{/usCountry}}"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.
{{/usCountry}}"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).