Adam Scott’s hopes of a second Masters title evaporated on the back nine as Xander Schauffele claimed a maiden major triumph with a blistering final round.
Scott started the day just two shots off the lead but stumbled to a closing 77 to finish tied for 10th, while Schauffele fired a stunning 67 to win by three shots from Rory McIlroy.
The Australian was undone by a series of wayward drives and missed putts on the inward half, while Schauffele was clinical in his approach, making birdies at the 14th, 15th and 16th to seal the victory.
Scott’s Back Nine Woes
Scott’s back nine woes began at the 10th, where he found the water with his tee shot and made double bogey.
He then bogeyed the 11th and 12th, and although he birdied the 13th, he dropped another shot at the 14th.
A bogey at the 17th effectively ended Scott’s hopes of victory, and he limped to a disappointing finish with a par at the last.
Schauffele’s Stellar Performance
In contrast to Scott’s struggles, Schauffele was in imperious form on the back nine.
He birdied the 14th from 10 feet, the 15th from 20 feet and the 16th from 12 feet to open up a three-shot lead over McIlroy.
Schauffele then parred the 17th and 18th to seal his first major title.
Reaction from Scott and Schauffele
Scott was understandably disappointed with his performance, but he was quick to congratulate Schauffele.
I’m very happy for Xander, Scott said. He played beautifully today and deserved to win.
Schauffele was thrilled to have finally won a major.
It’s an unbelievable feeling, Schauffele said. I’ve been working towards this for my whole life, and to finally achieve it is a dream come true.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
