Patrick Reed thwarted a spirited comeback from Jordan Spieth to clinch the first Green Jacket in his career on Sunday. The American, who played a stellar role in the 2016 Ryder Cup, also held off a stunning round from Rickie Fowler to return victorious in the 82nd Masters championship with a final-round 1-under-par 71. This was Reed’s first major title in 17 attempts.
Despite getting off to a shaky start with an opening bogey, Reed wrapped up an emphatic tournament at 15-under 273 to edge past compatriot Fowler, who shot a 67 in his quest for winning the first major title in his career while another American in fray, Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion, carded 64 with a last-hole bogey.
Patrick Reed lines up a putt on the 18th green during the final round of the 2018 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. /VCG Photo
Patrick Reed lines up a putt on the 18th green during the final round of the 2018 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. /VCG Photo
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, who was trying to complete the career Grand Slam, scored a final-round 74 to finish in a tie for fifth with Cameron Smith (66), two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson (69), and 2016 British Open champion Henrik Stenson (70).
27-year-old Reed, nicknamed Captain America, had never won a major before and had finished tied for second at the 2017 PGA Championship.
Former world number one Tiger Woods managed to finish at a 3-under 69, his best round of the tournament and remained tied for 32nd at 1-over.