REED EDGES FOWLER, SPIETH TO CAPTURE AUGUSTA MASTERS TITLE IN THRILLER
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 Spains Jon Rahm fourth on 276.
“Having to shoot under par in the final round to win my first major, it was awesome,” Reed said. “It was really satisfying.”
In addition to the iconic winners green jacket, Reed pocketed $1.98 million from an $11 million purse.
Reigning British Open champion Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion and twice a runner-up, 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 P-Reed 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.
“To have to two-putt the last hole to win my first major, it definitely felt right,” Reed said. “I was glad to end the drought.”
Reeds last-pair partner McIlroy kept near on the front nine, chasing his dream of a Masters win to complete a career Grand Slam, but managed only one birdie in the last 14 holes.
“I just didnt quite have it,” the Northern Ireland star said. “When I did have opportunities I didnt take advantage of them.
“Tough day. But Ill be back.” US President Donald Trump congratulated Reed, who won a 2014 WGC event at Trumpowned Doral, although Trump mistakenly cited it as in 2013.
“Congratulations to Patrick Reed on his great and courageous MASTERS win!” Trump tweeted. “When Patrick had his amazing win at Doral 5 years ago, people saw his great talent, and a bright future ahead. Now he is the Masters Champion!”