Charl Schwartzel, 26, became the first player to birdie the final four holes to claim the Green Jacket. In his second appearance at Augusta National Golf Club, the native of Vereeniging, South Africa, vaulted from the pack to deny two Australians -- Adam Scott and Jason Day -- their country's first Masters victory.
Schwartzel shot 6-under-par 66 for a 274 total, 14-under. It was two shots better than Day (68) and Scott (67), just when it looked like one of the Australians might end their country's drought.
Schwartzel wouldn't let it happen.
"I've not been around when it's been that tight," Schwartzel said. "If it wasn't for Rory (McIlroy) that was leading by four, you look at the leader board, there was a whole bunch of guys that could have won. It was always going to come down to the back nine, who made the birdies coming in."
Schwartzel made a torrid birdie-par-eagle start, ran off 10-straight pars and, when it was time, he delivered in a big way.
"There were so many roars that go on around Augusta, especially the back nine," Schwartzel said. "It echoes through those trees … there's always a roar. Every single hole you walk down, someone has done something, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking at the leader board. But sometimes I would look at it and not register what I was looking at, and that sort of helped.
"I just knew it was now or never. You have to start hitting some good shots and converting them."
Schwartzel's birdie putts on the final four holes were from 8, 15, 12 and 15 feet.
Day tipped his cap to Schwartzel's effort.
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