Scottie Scheffler didn’t hesitate to win his first major title. The world’s No. 1 jostled the space of two holes by Cameron Smith, returning an incredible chip from hole No. 3 to free himself and almost offer himself a single rider to victory, despite a heroic attack from Rory McIlroy , finally second. This is the 4th title for the world No. 1 in his last six tournaments. The boss of golf, it’s him!
Scheffler, good time
He was the favourite, the number 1 in the world, the man with three wins in 2 months (Phoenix Open† Arnold Palmer for invited guests† WGC Match Play† He did not fail in his rank. From the 2nd round Scottie Scheffler clearly took charge of the tournament. He never let them go. This last day was of course not without emotions. But the Texan never hesitated. Or not for long….
From hole n°1 the announced duel between Scheffler and Cameron Smith got to the heart of the matter, with a tasty chip from the American to save par and an authoritative birdie from the Australian. The tone was set…
The story is forming. Cameron Smith birdied the first hole and pulled within two of the lead. #the masters pic.twitter.com/pNTeRNsSx2
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
Smith returned to a shot after a birdie on 2, after which Smith went stunned to attend his rival’s lucky chip. An impossible chip for birdie on 3 after a complacent free fall due to a leaderboard in his playing axis. From the same spot, below the green, the Australian couldn’t do better than a bogey.
Again three strokes ahead for the number 1 in the world. Definitely spinning from the 3rd hole!
The tournament leader comes in at number 3. #the masters pic.twitter.com/ftP97jAvTr
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
This successful chip clearly changed the dynamics of the match between the two men, the hottest of the moment.
Especially since on hole 4, Scheffler again distilled a certain approach 20 yards from the flag when his opponent stumbled for the second time in a row.
Smith is going to “splash”
On the 11th, on the most difficult hole on the course, Smith made a rare birdie that again brought him within three strokes of the leader.
But when attacking the flag on the dangerous hole 12, the Australian made a mistake. Full house. Triple bogey. Scheffler, he offered himself a championship match by returning ten feet wide. Decisive!
The end of the 4th lap was (almost) a cinch for Scheffler who had yet to make an effort to maintain his lead over McIlroy. His four putts at 18 were ultimately anecdotal and witnessed immense emotion tinged with fever at the time of finishing.
To say Scheffler hadn’t won on the PGA Tour 3 months ago. Which series!
And Rors roars…
Still too short Rory McIlroyin his quest for the Masters, the only major missing from his list…
But the Northern Irishman had a great Sunday to get his best result in Augusta with a second-place finish. In “Full Attack” mode, “Rors” took advantage of finally mild playing conditions in Georgia this Sunday. And a rediscovered pits, like this string on 7.
A brilliant throw at number 7 brings McIlroy down to second for the tournament. #the masters pic.twitter.com/BowR8LjYJT
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
And this one from outside the green, at 10 o’clock!
Rory’s run up to the standings continues with a birdie at number 10. #the masters pic.twitter.com/ZsUNfnyyJ8
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
The pinnacle of his fantastic attack could have been this eagle of 13, impeccable in every way.
Eagle at No. 13! Rory McIlroy continues his run. #the masters pic.twitter.com/BiKwNWXUkf
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
It finally gets to this fantastic exit from the bunker with indecent turns limping on the 72nd and final hole, to set a record 64.
McIlroy equals the record for the highest score in tournament history for a Sunday. Fantastic !
What a way to end. McIlroy goes out at number 18 to put pressure on the leader. #the masters pic.twitter.com/L5fWWbR9cj
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
The former No. 1 in the world is definitely a unique player, with tremendous talent, with his weaknesses, his doubts, but also an extraordinary ability to pull out all the stops, especially if you have to come back from behind.
“I started too far, but it was an incredible day. On the 18th I believed I felt my greatest joy on a golf course”summed up McIlroy who couldn’t even hope for a misstep by Scheffler, author of birdies on 14 and 15, to definitively counter the Northern Irishman’s accusation.
Morikawa copycat
For the anecdote and the pretty picture, Rory’s departure from the bunker at age 18 was followed by another, that of his playing partner Collin Morikawawho finished in a nice 5th place, synonymous with 2nd place in the world for Rahm, after a very respectable card of 67. The joy the two men share is a joy to watch.
Collin Morikawa sees McIlroy’s chip and answers with his own chip. #the masters pic.twitter.com/jGiEEdR1Gu
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
Zalatoris, Matsuyama, Augusta’s love
Second last year for his first participation, Will Zalatoris shone again in Augusta with a 6th place. The young 25-year-old American certainly has his eye on the course.
The last eleven holes of his tournament? Played in -6. WZ has a bright future ahead of him if he can work out his putting jerks.
Winner 12 months ago Hideki Matsuyama, he ranks 14th despite neck pain. The Japanese proudly defended his title.
Min Woo Lee, the roller coaster
Min Woo Lee succeeded in an exceptional first leg in -6 (30), a feat achieved by only two men in the tournament’s history on a Sunday (Greg Norman in 1988 and Phil Mickelson in 2009). The Australian 2021 winner of the Scottish Open then lost his shine with four bogeys in a row from 10 to 13 which followed a string of four consecutive birdies from 6 to 9. A rollercoaster of emotions!
Group photo of Europeans
Besides McIlroy, the Europeans closed these Masters quite well. Shane Lowry (excellent 3rd!), Danny Willett† Matthew Fitzpatrick† Robert MacIntyre† Sergio Garcia† Lee Westwood† Victor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood they all finished in the top 30.
if Jon Rahm that Saturday forgot his awful 77 to finish with a more consistent 69, especially in the company of Tiger Woods…
A damper? Signed by the moaner Tyrrell Hatton, author of an 80 that took him 52nd and last place. † I don’t like Augusta, it’s an unfair course, we hit good shots that are sometimes punished”, released the boiling Englishman. incorrigible…
Woods, bumping
limping from the first hole, Tiger Woods seemed very tired for this last round. He signs an almost anecdotal 78th final that relegates him past 40th place. The public and its many fans will have nothing to complain about after a surprise and unexpected return to the competition, 508 days after the last round of competition.
Thanks Tiger, it was nice to see you again. The thrill we experienced on Thursday with this formidable 71, synonymous with the top 10 after 18 holes, will have marked this 2022 edition.
The chapter ends with Tiger Woods’ 24th Masters. #the masters pic.twitter.com/uNyEsieMXC
— The Masters (@TheMasters) Apr 10, 2022
“Will I come back? I ask myself the same question. It was a great feeling to come back and get so much support from the public. It exceeded my expectations to be able to play four rounds here, even with a game that can be perfected. It is certainly positive. I suffered, I suffer, some days are very hard, but it’s like golf, you have to be patient and work hard in life to get what you want†
On British television he claimed he would play the Open until St Andrews in July, but probably not the PGA Championship in May.
We hope to see you back in action soon, Mr. Woods.
The latest ranking
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