Fearless Spieth wins Masters in sensational style

Jordan Spieth kept his cool at the Augusta National to become the second youngest player ever to win the Masters at the age of 21.

The resolute and resilient Texan produced four rounds of near-flawless golf, securing victory with a final round of 70, two-under for the day and four shots ahead of nearest rivals Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson.

Leading from the first day until the last, Spieth smashed records all week, becoming the first player ever to reach 19 under in Masters history along with hitting 28 birdies, the most ever seen at Augusta, in what was only his second appearance at the tournament. 

Shortly after former champion Bubba Watson handed the famous green jacket to Spieth, the 2015 champion summed up the historic victory: “It was very nerve wracking… I mean with two major champions right behind I couldn’t let up.”

Both England’s Justin Rose and three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson produced valiant final day rounds of 70 and 69 respectively, including an eagle out of the bunker at the 15th for the American, but it was not enough as the pair finished joint runners-up on 14 under.

Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy’s hopes of a Master’s victory that would complete a career Grand Slam will have to wait another year, despite a strong final round finish of 66 leaving the world number one tied in fourth, 8 shots behind Spieth who finished second last year.

The youngest ever winner of the green jacket, Tiger Woods, had a frustrating afternoon with his putter often let him down as dreams of a fifth Masters title slipped away, finishing 13 shots behind the lead on 5 under.

England’s other hopefuls Ian Poulter (67) and Paul Casey (68) both produced impressive final-round displays to finish a respectable joint 6th.