AUGUSTA – South African Charl Schwartzel birdied the last four holes to clinch his first major title with a two-stroke victory at the Masters on Sunday, ending a stunning afternoon of brilliant shot-making.
Schwartzel, who began the final round at Augusta National four strokes off the pace, rolled in a 20-footer on the 18th green to complete a six-under-par 66, the day’s lowest score.
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).
“It was such an exciting day with so many roars,” Schwartzel said before slipping into the winner’s green jacket. “The atmosphere out there was just incredible.
“Playing with K.J. (Choi), he plays the same sort of game as I do, we both go about our business and that sort of kept me calm.”
Australians Adam Scott (67) and Jason Day (68) tied for second at 12 under after playing together on the final day.
Four-times 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).
Overnight leader Rory McIlroy of Britain, four ahead going into the final round, suffered a nightmare day as he tumbled out of contention with an 80 for a four-under total of 284.
On a sweltering afternoon of breathtaking shot-making at Augusta National, the leaderboard fluctuated repeatedly and eight different players held at least a share of the lead.
Schwartzel, however, emerged from the logjam with his stunning finish.
He very nearly chipped in for eagle from behind the green at the par-five 15th, where he knocked in a four-footer for birdie, and then sank further putts from 18 and 12 feet at the 16th and 17th.
In perfect position off the tee at the par-four 18th where he led by one, he struck his approach to 20 feet before again finding the middle of the cup with his birdie putt.
“I was tight coming down 15,” Schwartzel said. “Adam Scott was making birdies and Jason Day, and I needed to do something. I managed to hit really good iron shots made some really good putts coming in.”
