Augusta, April 15: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler lived up to his billing with a four-shot victory at the Masters Tournament to win a second Green Jacket in three years at Augusta National Golf Club.
Scheffler, who started as a big favourite, opened the week with a 66 and had rounds of 72 and 71 in the windy conditions. He entered the final day with a one-shot advantage.
Scheffler pulled away to sign for a 68 and finish at 11 under, while Swede Ludvig Aberg carded 69 to be the nearest challenger at seven under on his Major Championship debut.
Aberg was three shots clear of Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood and American duo Max Homa and Collin Morikawa.
Indian Americans, Akshay Bhatia (73) and Sahith Theegala (75), finished T-35 and T-45, respectively. Bhatia was making his debut, while Theegala was playing for the second time, after being in the Top-10 last year.
For some time, Scheffler did have to share the lead. Yet, a hat-trick of birdies from the eighth steadied him and there was no scare after that.
Scheffler arrived at Augusta on the back of finishing first, first and second in his last three starts, with top 20s in each of his four Masters appearances including his win in 2022.
As well as the favourite’s tag, he also had the possibility of having to withdraw mid-event with wife Meredith expecting the couple’s first child imminently but he took it all in his stride and produced one of the most dominant Masters performances of recent years. (IANS)
