Gritty Reed emerges Augusta champion
Augusta ( United States), April 9: Fending off epic challenges from three top rivals in a dramatic Masters final round, Patrick Reed captured his first major title Sunday, grinding out a one- shot victory at Augusta National.
The 27- year- old US Ryder Cup firebrand showed the same grit he displays in matchplay battles, dispatching Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy in an emotional battle that had spectators roaring.
“Today was probably the hardest mentally a round of golf can possibly be,” Reed said. “I knew it was going to be a dogfight.” Reed, whose breakthrough came in his 17th major start, fired a 1- under par 71 to finish 72 holes on 15- under 273, one stroke ahead of Fowler with Spieth third on 275 and Spain’s Jon Rahm fourth on 276.
Reigning British Open champion Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion and twice a runnerup, matched the low final- round in Augusta National history with a 64, a closing bogey thwarting his bid for the biggest comeback to win in Masters history.
“I started nine back,” Spieth said. “I wanted to shoot a low round and see if something crazy happens.” Fowler, still seeking his first major win, birdied six of the last 11 holes. He sank a 7- foot birdie putt on 18 to pull within one and keep Reed under pressure to the 72nd hole.
“We gave our all out there and made PReed earn it,” Fowler said. “I was happy to make that last putt.”
Needing a two- putt par from 25 feet at 18 to win, Reed gently tapped the first putt and saw it race four feet past the cup. He sank the comeback effort and pumped his fist in celebration.
— AFP