After Years of Near Misses

Sergio Garcia survived plenty of adversity in the final round and won a playoff against close friend Justin Rose. Finally, and fabulously, in his 19th Masters and 74th major appearance, Garcia brushed aside the burden of a professional career waiting to be fulfilled when he won the 81st Masters Tournament

Sergio Garcia, Rickie Fowler, Charley Hoffman and Thomas Pieters all set the pace after the second round for a 4-way tie at the top

With one hole left, they were even again at 9-under.

The first time around at the 18th, Rose hit his approach with an 8-iron to 7 feet. Garcia got it 2 feet inside him. They both missed the birdie attempts to set up the playoff. Rose drove into the right trees on the extra hole and paved Garcia’s road to victory. Garcia, needing two putts for par on the first extra hole, instead made the birdie putt.

“If there’s anyone to lose to, it’s Sergio. He deserves it. He’s had his share of heartbreak.” conceded Rose, now runner-up in the Masters twice in three years.

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