Sergio joy but Rory wait goes on
Spaniard wins dramatic play-off to win Masters for first time
Sergio Garcia is the new US Masters champion – at the 74th time of asking.
The Spaniard edged out England’s Justin Rose in a thrilling sudden-death play-off last night in Augusta.
It was five years since Garcia declared he was not good enough to win a major.
And, fittingly, he achieved it on what would have been the 60th birthday of hiss great friend and hero the late, Seve Ballesteros.
Garcia and Rose tied on nine under par after closing rounds of 69.
In sudden death Rose was unable to save par after driving into the trees while Garcia holed from 12 feet.
It was a special moment for him.
“It's been a long wait but it's that much sweeter because of that wait,'' Garcia said after being presented with his green jacket by 2016 champion Danny Willett.
“It's amazing to do it on Seve's 60th birthday and to join him and (Jose Maria) Olazabal, my two idols in golf. Jose sent me a text on Wednesday telling me how much he believed in me and what I needed to do - believe in myself, be calm and not let things get to me as I had in the past.
“Because of where my head was at sometimes, I did think about 'Am I ever going to win one?' I've had so many good chances and either I lost them or someone has done something extraordinary to beat me. So it did cross my mind.
“But lately I've been getting some good help and I've been thinking a little bit different, a little bit more positive. And kind of accepting, too, that if it for whatever reason it didn't happen, my life is still going to go on. It's not going to be a disaster.''
Meanwhile, the wait for a Masters title goes on for Rory McIlroy.
The World Number Two had the consolation of finishing in the Top 10 – for the fourth consecutive year.
But it does mean he is still stuck on three majors – one short of the career grand slam.