Sergio Garcia Wins First Ever Major in Dramatic Fashion

I’m 37, not 22, but I still feel like I have a lot of great years in me.

The popular Spaniard – who had seemed destined to be one of golf’s almost men – won with a birdie on the first hole of a sudden death play-off after the pair had finished the final round tied on -9.

Garcia had two putts to win when he lined up for his decisive shot.

In the end, it was a 12-foot birdie attempt that defeated Justin Rose in a playoff.

Garcia said after his win while beaming with clear delight. “I think it makes it a poignant major championship”. Entering the final day tied, each shot a 3-under-par 69 on Sunday, with both having opportunities on the final hole to claim a Masters title. I feel really confident here, this my favourite tournament of the year.

The next major (of four total) is the U.S. Open, which begins on June 12. “Even after the two bogeys, I knew I could still do it”.

Garcia has been the runner up at a major four times in his career.

What he found on Sunday, starting with his drive to the golf course, was a calmness he had never felt in the previous three times he played in the final group.

“I mean, I can’t pick holes in my performance”. Maybe it’s something psychological. “But they were all good swings and I was proud of them”.

He disowned that comment this week, saying after his second round that, “I was frustrated (then)”.

Despite McIlroy’s failure to parlay his contention into an actual green jacket, those looking for early predictions for next year’s Masters (be it in Las Vegas or elsewhere) would be wise to remember past success often breeds more at Augusta.

“But it’s always nice to be recognised or seen as the best player to not have won a major, because at least best player, there’s a good thing there”. I have an unbelievable life. There are many big tournaments ahead and Spieth believes how he played will help him contend in them all. I felt fantastic out there. “But with a happy ending”.

The drop was reviewed after suggestions he had inadvertently moved his ball but thankfully, after the fiasco involving Lexi Thompson at the first women’s Major of the season, there was no additional penalty this time.

He said the results weren’t shocking, “just a little freakish”.

Garcia rallied to tie Rose for the lead with three holes remaining.

That notion was reinforced at 14, where Garcia made birdie, and 15, where Garcia – who routinely out-drove Rose by 40 and 50 yards, absolute missiles – hit a monstrous tee shot, then drilled his approach from 177 yards toward the green.

Rose had a chance to capture his second major title eight months after winning the Olympic gold medal in Brazil, but three missed putts inside 10 feet over the final six holes of regulation doomed his chances.

Sergio Garcia, of Spain, reacts after saving par on the 13th hole during the final round of the Masters golf tournament, Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Augusta, Ga.

“Sergio!’ as Garcia did what he needed to do and embraced Rose with a huge smile on his face on the day that would have been Seve Ballesteros” 60th birthday.

“Seve, Seve, today is the 60th birthday of Seve if he was alive”, he screamed.

After a week of battling challenging weather from torrential rains to howling winds, golfers were greeted by ideal scoring conditions on Sunday, blue skies and a gentle breeze providing the flawless backdrop for some final round drama. And hit a good shot into 10, which I rarely do.