The Masters 2018
This week saw the eagerly anticipated Masters competition, where all players were hoping to emulate last years winner Sergio Garcia. Last year, Sergio beat Justin Rose in a play off that lasted 2 holes, to claim his first major and the age of 37.
After the opening day Jordan Spieth stormed into the lead with a opening round of -6 to lead the whole field by 2 shots. Defending champion Sergio Garcia lost all chances of winning the competition and even making the cut by taking a massive 13 shot on the par 5 15th hole.
The last time Sergio played the 15th hole was the final round last year when he hit a superb shot into the green clipping the flag leaving him with a simple 10 foot putt for eagle, which he dispatched with ease. However this time he chose to lay up to the edge of the water and hit his 3rd shot over but he proceeded to put 5 balls into the water before carding the highest ever score on that hole. Like a true champion however, Sergio made a birdie at the very next hole. He subsequently missed the cut but he had to wait around until Sunday when he had to hand over his green jacket. It is the 2nd year in a row that the defending champion has failed to make the cut.
After beginning round 2 ahead Jordan Spieths lead lasted 1 hole as he made a double bogey at the very 1st hole which was followed up with another bogey on the 4th hole. This allowed Patrick Reed the chance to sneak into the lead with a brilliant 66 (-6), Mark Leishman was hot on his heels with another good round that took him to -7 for the competition. Henrik Stenson was 3rd and Rory Mcilory was 4th after day 2.
Day 3
Patrick Reed played some amazing golf as he posted -14 to lead the field. His nearest competitor was Rory McIlroy who looked near to his brilliant best, with his eagle on the par 5 putting him in striking distance on Sunday.
Day 4
Patrick Reed started 3 shots clear but quickly saw the gap reduced as he made a bogey at the par 4 1st hole, and when Rory McIlroy hit his approach at hope 2 to 6 feet for an eagle it looked like Reeds lead would have diminished within minutes. However, Rory missed the putt and walked off the green with birdie but from then on he looked a shadow of player he was the day before and his challenge sunk. An amazing late surge on day 4 by Jordan Spieth saw his move to -14 with Reed but a bogey at the lasted gave him a huge -8 for the day and clubhouse leader. Rickie Fowler also made a surge with a -5 for the day and he made a 10 foot putt on 18 to post -14 under and make Patrick sweat back on the 18th tee. He needed a par down the last or better to win his first major. Having hit the green in two he calmly lagged the ball to the side of the hole and won by one shot.
Reed becomes the 9th maiden winner of a major in the last 12 competitions.