Things were going nowhere but up for Charl Schwartzel. The wiry South African was battling for the prize amid the likes of Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Jason Day. However, it was Schwartzel who would emerge to win the 75th Masters title.
It was the four lucky birdies that sealed the win, making him the first champion in Masters history to win with four successive birdies. His third birdie was an eight-foot putt in the 17th hole which required a par on the 18th for a win. However, he gave a 15-footer to finish with a six-under par 66. Schwartzel’s gained the victory exactly 50 years to the day after fellow South African Gary Player became the first Masters champion from outside the US. The victory comes with the $1.4 million purse along with the symbolic green champions jacket.
The game before the win was packed with tension. With the roster of players the title could have easily gone to anyone. Scott was leading at the start of the game, birdieing a par-4 114th before another tee shot at par-3 16th just three feet from the cup. Schwartzel also birdied at par-5 15th and par-3 16th to match Scott’s lead. Tiger Woods did not disappoint, closing with a 67 to place fourth with Luke Donald and Geoff Ogilvy.