Adam Scott wins The Masters

Finally! An Aussie has won the US Masters. It was a monumental battle that took a few twists and turns but Adam Scott prevailed in the end. It took two great putts: one to get into the clubhouse at 9 under and then another on the tricky 10th green (the second playoff hole) for birdie to seal the deal.

It looked for all money that Jason Day was going to be the man to beat. Unfortunately for Day he bogeyed the 16th and 17th holes to slip back to 7 under the card. His performance was outstanding and it can be a fine line between victory and a minor place. This performance was every bit as good as his T2 in 2011. Mark Leishman was also very good in only his second Masters. He was right in there until his approach on 15 found the water.

The other man of the moment was Angel Cabrera. Already a twice major winner he looked like he was stumbling with bogeys on 10 and 13. But he rebounded beautifully with a clutch birdie on 16 and then a sensational approach into the last when he needed a birdie to tie. His second into 18 was the shot of a cool customer and he knocked the 3 footer into the middle.

The fun and games didn’t stop there. Both men matched each other shot for shot on the 1st playoff hole (literally), with Cabrera’s chip looking good until it broke away just near the cup. Adam Scott made a nice par putt and they then headed to what would be the last hole – and just as well as steady rain and darkness closed in.

Like he had done all day, Scott rifled his tee shot and Angel followed (ripping a long iron from the tee). Cabrera looked unhappy with his approach but it was a beauty, finishing 20 feet below the hole. Scott settled into his routine and hit another ripper, finishing pin high, just inside his opponent. It was intriguing stuff with both men not giving an inch. Cabrera’s putt did everything but go in. It was hit high out to the right and the sloping green brought it back to the hole. As it was slowing down it was surely going to drop. It didn’t. It finished behind the hole for a tap in par.

The scene was now set for Scott. He went through his routine and trundled the ball down the hole. Australia held it’s breath as the ball seemed to gain speed as it neared the hole. But it didn’t matter. Scott had made the perfect putt and it found the back of the hole. Australia’s first (and hopefully not the last) US Masters Champion was crowned. What a relief! Good stuff Adam Scott, the monkey is off your back and the memories of last year’s Open no longer an issue.

Here’s 5 things I took away from this year’s event.

1. Tiger is back. It took a very unlucky bounce Friday and a bit of controversy to derail him. He still finished T4. He’ a monty to win another major very soon.

2. Adam Scott’s ball striking was incredible. He hardly missed a shot but his birdie putts wouldn’t go in. I wouldn’t say he was putting poorly, the ball just kept missing. That is until it counted and this is probably what “they” mean when they say to “stay patient”. He hit two great putts at just the right time.

3. The course is as tough as ever. There’s a fine line between success and failure and looking like a hero to looking like a hacker. There’s plenty of birdies to be made but disaster can strike at any moment. Bubba Watson, the 2012 Champion, made a 10 on the 12th hole.

4. The TV coverage was (as per normal) terrible. Showing players not in contention, too many ad breaks and far too many scenery shots when they could be showing the action. I believe this is how The Masters Committee likes it, but it really could be done so much better.

5. And while I’m at it, the official ceremony is cringe worthy. Clare thought it was one of the funniest things she’s seen. Far too serious and sombre for such a wonderful moment. I hardly think Adam Scott will care (nor would any of the previous Champions) but it would be great to see a bit of fun added. I doubt it will ever change…