By CGTN's Zhu Mandan
"The best golfer never to win a major" has finally won. In the final round of the Masters, 37-year-old Sergio Garcia claimed his maiden major title by winning an epic sudden-death play-off against Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose.
The Spaniard has waited 19 years to claim the Green Jacket, and on the day that his idol, the two-time winner Seve Ballesteros, would have turned 60, he finally tasted glory in dramatic fashion.
Sergio Garcia of Spain celebrates after defeating Justin Rose (not pictured) of England on the first playoff hole during the final round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the US on April 9, 2017. /CFP Photo
Garcia was two shots behind with only six holes to play at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, but moved into a tie for the lead with an eagle on 17. He and Rose both missed birdie putts on 18, forcing the playoff. The Spaniard prevailed on the first extra hole, thanks to a birdie.
"I'm thrilled to be standing here this late on Sunday afternoon, Sunday evening. It's always a beautiful thing to have. So it's been an amazing week, and I'm going to enjoy it for the rest of my life," Garcia said with his winner's Green Jacket on and a relieved smile.
Sergio Garcia of Spain points to the sky as he holds the Masters trophy after winning the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the US on April 9, 2017. /CFP Photo
Although he joked about his title as "the best golfer never to win a major," he was also glad not to have to answer to it anymore.
"Obviously I like where I stand now better. But it's always nice to be recognized or seen as the best player to not have won a major, because at least the best player, there's a good thing there. So that's the way I looked at it. Well, I don't have to answer that anymore."
Sergio Garcia of Spain celebrates as he prepares to receive his Green Jacket for winning the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the US on April 9, 2017. /CFP Photo
His rival and childhood friend Rose stated that if he was to lose to anyone, he was glad it was his long-time friend and Ryder Cup teammate.
"We've played a lot of golf together since we were about 14 years old. We've always had a good friendship and a good camaraderie and good rivalry. It must be hard, as well, for guys when they are striving to win majors but are kind of being left behind. It's nice for him now to have that monkey off his back and I was very pleased for him," Rose said.
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