Scheffler Claims Second Masters Title in Thrilling Finish
Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked player, asserted his dominance in a thrilling back-nine shootout to clinch his second Masters title on Sunday, securing a four-stroke victory at Augusta National.
Having previously won the green jacket in 2022, Scheffler earned a record $3.6 million top prize following a gripping contest against fellow Americans Collin Morikawa and Max Homa, as well as Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, who made an impressive debut in a major tournament.
A champion once again. #themasters pic.twitter.com/iQtyCyNekc
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024
“It’s hard to express the significance of winning this tournament once again,” Scheffler remarked.
Scheffler closed out the final stretch with three birdies in the last six holes, carding a four-under par 68 to complete 72 holes on 11-under 277 over the renowned 7,555-yard course. Aberg shot a 69, securing second place with a total of 281.
Two-time major champion Morikawa finished with a closing 74, sharing third place on 284 with Homa and England’s Tommy Fleetwood. “I made an effort to remain composed out there. I focused on staying patient throughout the round,” Scheffler stated. “Fortunately, I managed to execute some crucial shots and putts to sustain my momentum.”
Scheffler’s Historic Second Masters Win: Joining Golf Legends at the Top
By securing his second Masters victory while holding the top spot in the world rankings, Scheffler joins Tiger Woods as the only players to achieve this feat. At the age of 27, Scheffler also becomes the fourth-youngest golfer to win multiple Masters titles, following behind Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and the late Seve Ballesteros.
“Scottie is an exceptional golfer,” remarked Homa. “His performance is truly impressive.”
Having not played a round over par since last August, Scheffler now holds the distinction of having the second-fewest Masters starts for any two-time winner, with just five appearances. Only Horton Smith required fewer, winning two of the first three Augusta titles in the 1930s.
Aberg applied pressure on Scheffler in the closing stages but was unable to catch up.
“Ludvig played exceptionally well,” Scheffler acknowledged. “He made a strong push at me on the back nine, and I was fortunate enough to maintain my lead.”
Scheffler’s Triumph: A Back-and-Forth Battle Culminates in Masters Victory
Although Scheffler initially held a four-stroke advantage, he faltered with a bogey on the 11th hole, allowing Aberg to narrow the gap to two strokes with a birdie on the par-5 13th. Following Scheffler’s birdie putt at the 13th hole, Aberg responded with another birdie at the 14th, keeping the deficit at two strokes.
“It was truly a dream come true to be in this position, feeling the pressure in the final holes,” Aberg reflected. Scheffler countered with a birdie on the 14th hole, followed by a nine-foot birdie putt at the par-3 16th, ultimately sealing the victory.
As Scheffler reached the 18th green, spectators erupted into a standing ovation, applauding his remarkable shotmaking abilities. Following a bogey at the seventh hole, Scheffler embarked on a crucial streak of three consecutive birdies, showcasing his most spectacular shot of the day.
After sinking a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-5 eighth, Scheffler executed an extraordinary 89-yard second shot at the ninth, which gracefully rolled down a slope to land within inches of the hole, setting up a simple tap-in birdie and securing the solo lead.
Scheffler’s Momentum Shift and Rivals’ Setbacks
“It was satisfying to experience that sensation of striking the ball exceptionally well, and it positioned me for a strong back nine,” Scheffler remarked.
Scheffler continued his momentum by sinking a nine-foot birdie putt at the 10th hole, reaching 9-under and extending his lead to two shots as his competitors encountered difficulties with double-bogeys.
Morikawa’s double-bogey at the ninth, caused by encountering pine straw and a bunker, followed by another at the 11th, took him out of contention.
“I got overly ambitious on nine and 11. When you’re playing well, you tend to push it,” Morikawa admitted. “But sometimes, greediness can backfire.” Aberg’s hopes of becoming the first Masters debut winner since 1979 were dashed when he hit his second shot at the 11th hole into a pond, resulting in a double-bogey.
Aberg’s Nerves, Homa’s Challenge, and McIlroy’s Determination
“I was extremely nervous at the start. My hands were shaking on the first tee,” Aberg confessed. “Regrettably, landing in the water on the 11th was less than favorable.”
Homa, in pursuit of his first major victory, encountered trouble when his ball became unplayable in the flowers beyond the par-3 12th, leading to his double-bogey.
Second-ranked Rory McIlroy, only needing a Masters win to complete a career grand slam, finished with a 73, ending on 292. “It hasn’t been my year so far, but I’ll continue coming back until it is,” McIlroy remarked. Third-ranked Jon Rahm, the 2023 champion, concluded with a 76, finishing on 297. Woods finished 60th with a score of 304, shooting a 77.
“I’m hopeful that my body will cooperate for the upcoming three tournaments,” Woods remarked.
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