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One of the most exciting final days ever: leader meltdown, Tiger back, maybe 10 players still in with a chance in the last couple of hours - and a worthy winner who seized the moment. Slight dampener with Rory's nightmare (I didn't see that coming, I must admit) but still, amazing stuff.

Congrats to a worthy winner. He held his nerve to come out on top. I'm sure young Rory will come out stronger from his nightmare. Been said before, I know, but any sport or game at this level requires very strong mental discipline, and not just skill.

What a final day ! It had everything, compulsive viewing for 5 hours solid - was Tiger about to confound his critics, could Europe provide a winner, be it McIlroy, Donald or to a lesser degree Westwood, could an Aussie finally break their duck, but no, through it all a Saffer comes up trumps, playing magnificent golf - huge off the tee, superb around the greens (two in from off the putting surface) and nerves of steel coming up the stretch, a thoroughly deserved first Green Jacket. Roll on next years drama !!

Rob Hodgetts | 03:29 UK time, Sunday, 10 April 2011


Golf could be set for a changing of the guard at Augusta on Sunday.

To McIlroy's generation, Woods is the icon, the man they watched as kids, the man who changed the sport. They could be about to get their own icon.

Augusta is gearing up to crown a new young master on Sunday night.

Great to see woods fail, the guy still cant string 4 good rounds togather. This week it was his putting. He will never be the greatest ever as hes not even near beating the greatest ever jacks 18 major record.

Plus the way he conducted himself in that interview was shocking, Rory had an actual excuse to be unlikable in his final round interview, yet was very well mannered.

Woods gave agressive one word answers, even though he played the round of his life(actually drove the ball straight for once in his life).

Anyone who supports tiger woods needs their head checking...

I must admit, after his front nine, I thought Woods was going to win it, though McIlroy still had the lead. It would have been quite a story and who knows what would have happened if he had made that Eagle putt.

As for Rory, he was doing alright until the disaster at the 10th. I've no doubt that he will come back stronger and I think his mature interview showed that.

However, Schwarzel made some incredible shots, such as his Birdie on the 1st and his brilliant Eagle on the third. And then to go and Birdie the last 4 holes to win it. My hat goes off to the guy and I must admit I did cheer when his Birdie went in at the last. It was such a dramatic day with many twists and turns, one of the best final days ever.

RE 4

I think that the key word in the article was "could". And Augusta did have a new champion last night. What's the issue?

Did you predict that McIlroy would collapse, so much that he would card an 80?

Such a shame to see Rory's game fell apart on the back 9 - well 10th actually! - having played some amazing golf top go into last round 4 shots clear.
However he's too talented a player not to win majors but maybe he should have stuck to his original game plan and he will learn form this - albeit painfully.
The battle for the title was incredible and when it became clear that Mcilroy wasn't going to win I hoped that Luke Donald might do it however the back nine was full of so many twists and turns that it turned out to be one of the most exciting Masters for a long time (maybe Norman's meltdown against Faldo).
Whilst Woods played some remarkable irons spearing into the flagstick one of his most potent weapons over the years let him down.
He missed some - for him - pretty routine putts which was ultimately his undoing.
The Great British charge didn't materialise as the press were prediciting (or hoping) which was a shame.
But full credit to Donald.
This was a Masters for the history books and it remains to be seen whether, in Charl Schwartzel, we have a player who will win yet further Majors or be a one major wonder.

Anyone who supports tiger woods needs their head checking...

==

I was cheering for Woods, he ignited the day, and everyone else responded. I watch sports for competition, not public relations. None of us would be able to walk a day in Tiger's shoes and not crack

Can I publically apologise to Rory McIlroy. I got in and turned the TV on with him on the 10th tee, so it's obviously my fault that it went wrong for him from there.

You do wonder what would have happened had that tee shot been a couple of yards further right and just skirted the trees rather than hitting them and disappearing left. Had Rory managed to stay at -11 until the 13th then the pressure would have mounted on those behind (especially as you'd expect him to pick up at least one stroke on 13 or 15). I don't think we'd have seen Schwartzel get to -14 in those circumstances (although he played exceptionally well over the closing few holes to do so).

A real shame to see Rory McIlroy self-destruct as he did. He is clearly a fine golfer and his time will undoubtedly come. His mature approach will stand him in good stead for the days to come.

The real frustration of an otherwise fascinating and brilliantly presented day was having to watch Chris Evans boast at the beginning of McIlory's round that "this could all be over by the ninth", and that he couldn't wait for the party. His "I'm on a jolly" appearance, and nonseniscal remarks only serve to irritate licence fee payers. We have to wonder why the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ sends ex-celebs - who clearly know nothing about the sport they are covering - across the world to do so. Ask any golf fan if they want Chris Evans (or any other celebrity) presenting a golf show and they would say emphatically "no"! There are some brilliant commentators and experts in each field, let's just use them. ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ, please think again about what the viewer / listener genuinely wants, and not who will get you the most publicity.

Stayed up way past my usual bedtime to see a fellow Saffer do the business, and a great moment for Charl. I really hope that it is his achievements that are most remembered from this year's Masters.

Shooting 66 in a final round in Augusta. Birdies on the final four holes, especially knowing he had to pick up shots. Overall, a nerveless round, he missed nothing from within ten feet in his ten straight pars from 5-14, and book-ended his day with some of the best golf you will ever see.

At the same time, I feel very much for McIlroy. You don't like to see people lose tournaments in that way, but the story yesterday was Schwartzel brilliantly grabbing an opportunity when three or four others would have been worthy winners.

froch carl @ 5

"Great to see Woods fail"

And great to see McIlroy 'fail' - did you clock the way his shirt was hanging out of his pants the whole round? Total slob.

Or alternatively one could, as a golf fan, appreciate golf over stuff like that. Could appreciate the spectacle of the greatest player of the modern game (the icon, the legend that is TW) making a thrilling run for the jacket. And could feel for an exciting and very talented and rather special young player (RM) abjectly folding under pressure on this occasion (but hopefully not next time).

Couldn't one?

What great golf and riveting viewing, even though I had cash on McIlroy! One issue with the article though - Schwarzel "scrapped" his way up the leaderboard? Very harsh!! He chipped in at the first and eagled the 3rd from miles out! He also birdied the last four to bring it home. Absolute class, nothing scrappy about it.

You wouldn't wish that on your worst enemy would you. I couldn't bear to watch it live but I was almost in tears reading his round unravelling on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ live text.

When I was a 28 handicap playing once a week, the dreaded demons used to get to me on the 1st tee, so I cannot even begin to imagine what was going through his mind from the 10th tee onwards. To be fair, I think that even if he'd managed to keep his game together with pars on 10, 11 & 12, Schwartzel's burst would have been good enough for he to take the title irrespective of what Rory could have done on the back nine.

I do however think that Rory's game and mental strength are solid enough for him to take the positives from three good days, learn from his mistakes and get over this. From what I've seen, this final round experience may well make, rather than break the man...

No Saga mix i "couldnt one"

Woods usually is woeful off the tee, and often relies on his seve esque scrambling and mental strength to win a major. But although this week shows his self belief is still there to some extent, he still cant shoot 4 good rounds.

Plus ,a nd the main point is, people do not fear his aura, which is what he thrives on. 3/4 years ago the leaders would have crumbled to his charge, but they didnt give one hoot, played their game and in the end he was 4 shots off.

His interview after was embarrasing, even Ken brown questioned it. bare in min d woods shot the round of his life.

Yet rory 14 years yuonger, and had an actual reason to do a seething interview was very likable and conducted himself as a true officer and gentlemen.

Rory will come again, whereas as woods days are getting numbered...each time he fails it slowly chips way at his self beliedf his father ingrained him at 2 years old.


And its great to see his failings...

What a great finale. It had everything! i was backing tiger but u have to say McIlory did not deserve that back nine horror show. But we have all been there ( granted i was only playing the video game). Anyway he is still so young and will win multiple majors! and Tiger...... what a guy! If he had putted that eagle it would have been game on. I hope this springs him back into action. The guy is a legend.

And Schwartzel....worthy champion! kept his head cool when everyone lost the plot. I had a feeling he would do it when they were round the front nine because he was one of the last players coming through. The confidence to sink tht birdie putt on the 18th said it all. Last nitght was the most exciting round of golf i have
ever seen! terrific stuff.

Ah the curse of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ coverage. Sadly Rory bottled it like an English footballer or Scottish tennis player. He's more talented than either though and should be back... hopefully to win multiple majors.

Rory is still a very young man and will bounce back to win at some point in the future. It will take time for him to recover but it will make him stronger and a better golfer in the long run.

I have to say ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ that meltdown does sound rather negative for somebody who played so well for most of the tournament.

Congratultations to Schwartzel - its nice to see somebody different win for a change.

Well done Schwartzel you a true champ!!!!!

As for the game what a finish to Augusta and the back nine. He played well all week and really deserved the win!!!!!

As for Ian Poulter - remains an idiot always has been always will be, time to shut that mouth of yours matey.....you the only one who keeps looking like a complete twit!!!!!

froch carl @ 16

Well we'll see how Woods fares over the next few years. I'm a fan (get a sneaky inkling you aren't) and so I hope to see more great golf from him and some more big tournament wins. Not a certainty by any means; the magic is still there - this tournament showed that beyond a shadow of a doubt - but the consistency isn't and nor is the remorseless holing out from inside 10 feet. I do think he still has plenty in the tank but, like I say, we will see.

And yes - sure - Rory's greenside media performance was way more admirable and well mannered than Tiger's (which was neither of those things) but, you know, strange old fruit that I am, I'm more into the golf than the interviews.

Bet Rory is too. Bet he doesn't want a career known mainly for his spectacularly charming greenside interviews. Wouldn't surprise me in fact - wouldn't surprise me one iota - if he'd rather win majors. Okay perhaps nothing like TW's 14 and (maybe) counting, but at least one or two.

Do you reckon?

I've become a lifelong fan of Rory To meet failure on that stage in front of the whole world with such grace and equanimity acknowledging the fans with a smile as he approached he 18th knowing he had no chance regardless of how he felt inside was inspirational and then to answer the interviewer graciously should be taught in schools. Unlike Woods who was rude and dismissive -- totally unacceptable

A bit biased, but thrilled that Charl Schwartzel put the round of his life together when it mattered most. In saying that, I feel for McIlroy. His only problem in my opinion, is putting four solid rounds together. He’s only a youngster though, and that will come with time. Class is always permanent.

bare in min d woods shot the round of his life.

==

You haven't seen many rounds of golf from Tiger Woods, have you?

@11

Completely agree. Evans' comment that: "he had met Rory on Saturday night and they had a piano waiting to be flown in for the celebration..." truly shocked me. As a 21 year old trying to win his first major, what on earth is McIlroy doing entertaining washed up, out-for-the-jolly celebrities? It makes you wonder what McIlroy's management team are being paid to do. His focus should have been on the challenge to come, not listening to the non-sensical babblings of someone who couldn't care less about his future success/demise.

Rory will be back.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

@sagamix

Yes, but it's possible to do both, as Watson, Nicklaus, Player, Norman have proved. Woods is only pleasant when he has won. Give me any justification for that interview last night other than being a spoiled brat who knew he had blown it? Tough luck Tiger, I hope he never wins another. He doesn't deserve Nicklaus' crown. There is more to sport than finishing first.

Fact is Rob, The Masters was won by Schwartzel, not lost by Rory.
Sure Rory cost himself a high finish with his shots dropped from the tenth on, but a two under back nine would have yielded just a second place finish.
If the damage was done, it was with a 5 - 5 start instead of the 4 - 4 start he'd've hoped for, and short putts missed on 4 and five didn't help.
This should go down as one of the most thrilling Majors in history, but The Masters that Charl Schwartzel won. Fantastic golf.

i agree flimflammer.

Woods is talented, but not as naturally talented as the likes of jack nickalaus, who had started gold alot later than woods and werent brainwashed by his father.

Fact is he is extremely unlikable, what he gets to off the course is up to him, but on the course the morose faced man is horrible to watch.

If hes not spraying his ball into the bushes, you can sure expect he will throw his club into it. His swearing, spitting is atrotious for someone getting paid millions to be a "good role model".

I still maintain he wont topple the goat jack nickalaus, and put mon ey on him ne ver winning another major agaIN.

Roger federer is a true role model.

Surely poster 29 this is not about Tiger Woods but we are well aware of your dislike of the man, But well done to Charles schwartzel on a great finish to win the Masters. Your comment about Woods never winning another major im not too sure about that, still not playing to his best he still finished above My favourites Mickelson/Westwood and Coand would you say they are finished. Somehow i think not

There is a changing of the guard in SA Golf.Ernie and Retief still complete but you wonder on the World stage whether the best days are now behind.The next platoon of Tim Clark,Rory Sabbatini and hopefully a resurgent Immelman play good golf and win the occasional tournament.How ever the new kids on the block are Schwartzel and Oosthuizen.
Even though Louis strolled around St Andrews last year winning the Open the real talent,not diminishing Oosthuizen has been Charl.
He now has a maturity that frustratingly has only recently been acquired.
Yesterday he finished the tornament extremely well but recognition should be made ,particularly over the first 12 holes of the number of putts tha just stayed out,which could have given a different picture.
When he needed to hole the putts due to the cavalry charge at the end he did.He wouldn't have done it 2 years ago.
Someone suggests he maybe a one-major wonder.No chance .
We are just about to see someone special from now on.

"Woods, ....... not to mention his recent struggles bedding down a new swing"

Great effort by Woods, considering his form in the run up, though to be honest his new swing is about the only thing he's had problems bedding...

For once I was actually supporting him, his recent misdemeanors have actually made him more likeable as he now appears almost human.

Great to Woods in the hunt yesterday! Golf's been boring to watch without a competitive Woods and I hope he can return to winning ways after yesterday's performance. I doubt he had it in him to make -14, but had he not made the bogey and made sure of that eagle, who knows what could have happened. Fate wasn't to be and perhaps a win for him would have masked the shortcomings that remain in his game!! But one writes him off at ones peril and Poulter must be full after eating that humble pie!!

flimflammer @ 27

He didn't 'blow it' (that was Rory) but look, I have no problem with 'spoilt brat' for Woods - it's an accurate description. He's clearly not a particularly balanced individual. Flawed person, very flawed, no question about it (although an appreciation of his background and formative years, and of what it must be like to be a media icon from age nothing, should allow you to cut him a little slack on all of that) - but does this make me NOT want to see one of the most thrilling sporting talents there's ever been continue to fulfil itself? No. For me, his five hours or so of on-course effort easily outranks his 22 seconds of (non) effort with a post-round greenside interview.

I'm a golf fan, see.

The thing with Woods is that even his poor rounds are replayed by the television coverage - no other player on the circuit is as analysed and observed as Woods. Woods will not be the only golfer to have little hissy fits when things aren't going his way.

I'm not particularly fond of it, but to be honest, it's a common trait you see in a lot of people, so I'm not really going to get on some silly moral high horse about it.

That was a spectacularily grumpy interview by Tiger yesterday. He really needs to learn some manners.

When McIlroy dropped away I fancied Schwartzel would be the one to come through, but after Adam Scott's tee shot at 16 I thought he had it...........and at last, all that potential would finally be reality. But the exceptional finish Schwartzel gave us was a worthy finish to a fantastic final round. Scott must be gutted, he did what was asked of him and still came up short.

My only hope is that Rory doesn't follow in Adam Scott's footsteps.

I was really pleased for this fella after I saw his reaction to that brilliant (but a bit lucky) pitch in. He started to celebrate like it was something he does all the time, then laughed at his caddie and just enjoyed the good fortune. I reckon someone who is grounded and a bit self-deprecating (as Charl seems to be) deserves his success when he plays a brilliant last round. Well done!