Scottie Scheffler won the Masters at Augusta National by three shots over Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy to claim his first major title.
The American led the entire weekend and strolled to a 1-under 71 for a three-shot victory over Rory McIlroy.
Scheffler, who began the day with a three-stroke lead over Australian Cameron Smith, closed with a double-bogey to card a one-under-par 71 that left him at 10 under on the week at the year’s first major.
He overcame a nervy moment early in the round by chipping in for a birdie and his key putts kept Cameron Smith at bay.
Although McIlroy was the runner-up, it was Smith who felt as though he let one get away.
The Aussie was still in the game, three shots out of the lead when he dumped his 9-iron in Rae’s Creek on the par-3 12th hole for a triple bogey that ended his hopes. He was three behind standing on the 12th tee but three holes later, he was eight back.
Smith closed with a 73 and tied for third with Shane Lowry, who birdied the 18th for a 69.
From there only Rory McIlroy could deny the American his first Masters title.
All the Irishman needed to complete the career Grand Slam was to match the best final round in Masters history and get some help from Scheffler.
He only got one of those (the best final round at the Masters) and had to settle for his first silver medal from Augusta.
Scheffler was still trying to win his first PGA Tour title only 56 days ago. Now he has won four of the last six he has played in. He joined Ian Woosnam in 1991 as the only players to win a major — the Masters in both cases — in their debut at No. 1 in the world.
Scheffler, who finished at 10-under 278, won $2.7 million from the $15 million prize fund which brings his total to $8,872,200 over his last six starts.
