Major Winners And Losers
With the Majors crammed into a 14-week stretch this season, it's easy to remember the winners, but how did the rest fare?
THE MASTERS
The Major season began with the most memorable four days of golf we have witnessed in decades. Tiger Woods produced a faultless display of strategy and ball-striking to win his first Major since 2008 – an incredible 3,955 days between his 14th and 15th Majors. For most of Sunday it looked like he’d struggle to catch overnight leader Francesco Molinari but Augusta’s 12th once again had its say and the Italian’s rock-solid game crumbled. Woods’ five at 18 led to joyous scenes with his family. Never before has a bogey been celebrated so wildly by so many.
BIG HITTERS
Molinari started Sunday two clear but the back nine bared its teeth and the water on 12 and 15 dashed his hopes. Brooks Koepka, Tiger’s nemesis in last year’s USPGA, spurned birdie chances at 17 and 18 to end one adrift, tied with Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele. Jason Day, Webb Simpson and Tony Finau finished alongside Molinari in 5th.
SURPRISE PACKAGES
Big names dominated but one surprise was Patrick Cantlay who briefly led on Sunday after eagling 15. His challenge fizzled out and he ended up tied for 9th. Ian Poulter had a fine week but faded a little to end up five back in 12th, alongside South African debutant, Justin Harding, who was three off the lead on day one.
DISAPPOINTMENTS
Justin Rose was many people's pre-tournament favourite but rounds of 75 and 73 meant he missed the cut. Paul Casey suffered a similar fate after carding a first-round 81. Rory Mcilroy once again failed to live up to the career Grand Slam hype and never threatened, finishing tied for 21st. Bryson Dechambeau was tied for the lead after day one but couldn’t capitalise, ending up in 29th spot.