Spanish professional golfer Sergio Garcia registered his first major title at the Masters at Augusta on Sunday beating Olympic champion Justin Rose.In his 74th attempt, Garcia produced an impressive showing, staging a remarkable comeback during the closing phases of his duel with Rose.The Spaniard started in phenomenal fashion as he gained a three-shot lead over his rival only to see it turn into a two-point deficit with seven holes to play. The pairing both missed putts and birdie chances on the 72nd hole which forced the play-off.Garcia becomes the third player from his nation to win the Masters, after Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. He also expressed his delight to be among the company of such stalwarts of the game after his sensational victory.He was quoted by BBC Sport as saying: “To join Seve and Jose – my two idols – is amazing.”
Epic battle on the final day
The enthralling drama in the playoff kicked off on the greens with Rose teeing off first on the 18th, pushing his drive into the trees but the ball bounced back into play and reappeared in the pine needles.
Meanwhile, Garcia commenced his play with an impressive hit almost 300 yards down the fairway.
Rose quickly made amends for his initial attempt as he recovered onto the fairway as his counterpart continued from where he left off, approaching the hole just 12 feet behind.
The Brit made a stroke about 15 foot to the right of the 18th on shot three which was nearly similar to his earlier line to his putt in regulation play. However, he missed his par putt to the left, meaning Garcia needing two shots for victory.
The 37-year-old maintained calm and composure as he hit the putt in his first attempt to record his maiden win at the Masters.
Video: The moment Garcia won the Masters
Rose congratulated Garcia
As Garcia dropped to his knees to celebrate, Rose was the first among many to congratulate him on the win as the two shared a warm embrace at the close of play.
Speaking on his victory, BBC Sport quoted the newest recipient of the Green jacket, saying: “It has been such a long time coming.
“I knew I was playing well. I felt the calmest I ever felt in a major.”
The world number 11 will now enter the top 10 on Monday following the magnificent showing at the Augusta Nationals.
After finishing in the top 10 for a record 22 times at the majors, Garcia won one of the golf’s four majors, proving his critics wrong.
Rose rued another close finish ending in defeat after finishing second behind Spieth in 2015 as well but commended Garcia for his efforts.
“It is disappointing to come so close. I felt in control until the end.
“But I'm really happy for Sergio. I'd love to be wearing the Green Jacket but if it wasn't me then I'm glad it is him.”
Stars pay tribute to Garcia
Garcia received congratulatory messages with Danny Willett, Paul McGinley, Michael Phelps and Rafael Nadal all taking to social media to praise his achievement.
With several ups and downs during the course of action from both elites of the game, Garcia finally has his breakthrough at the majors tournament which lays the platform for more astonishing performances and accolades in the future.