Scottie Scheffler secured his second Masters title in spectacular fashion on Sunday, solidifying his position as the dominant force in men’s golf. Maintaining his composure at Augusta National, the world No.1 fended off challenges from numerous contenders, ultimately finishing four strokes ahead of Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg and adding another triumph to his victory in 2022.
Entering the 88th edition of the tournament as the clear favorite, Scheffler validated the bookmakers’ predictions.
A final round of four-under 68 propelled him to an overall score of 11-under, clinching his third victory in just over a month and earning him a $3.6 million share of the Masters-record $20 million prize purse. Despite the fierce winds that swept away many of his high-profile competitors throughout the week, there were moments when it seemed the only obstacle standing between Scheffler and another coveted green jacket was the imminent arrival of his first child.
The Texan had made a solemn promise to withdraw from the tournament if his wife Meredith went into labor, as her due date was looming within the coming weeks. “I’m on my way home. I’ll be there as soon as possible. I love you,” Scheffler assured Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley when asked if he had a message for his wife.
“You’re getting me emotional here in Butler Cabin. This is an incredibly special moment for both of us. I can’t adequately express what it means to win this tournament again. And I truly can’t find the words to describe what it will be like to become a father for the first time.” “I’m eager to return home and celebrate with Meredith. “It’s been an extended week here in her absence.”
Scheffler will have an opportunity for further triumph when the men’s major circuit moves to Kentucky’s Valhalla Golf Club next month for the PGA Championship, a tournament won for the third time by Brooks Koepka last year. Scheffler’s ninth PGA Tour victory, marking his third win in the last four tournaments, elevates the 27-year-old to the esteemed ranks of players with multiple Masters triumphs.
He becomes the 18th player to achieve this milestone and the fourth youngest, following the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, and Tiger Woods, who finished 60th after completing his 100th round at the major.
Woods, a five-time Masters champion, entered the tournament with uncertainty swirling around his ability to maneuver the challenging Augusta landscape, given that this marked only his third competitive start since withdrawing from last year’s event due to injury.
Despite initially dispelling doubts by making the cut for a record-breaking 24th consecutive time with opening rounds of 73 and 72, the 48-year-old struggled over the weekend. His performance took a downturn as he carded an 82, his worst-ever round at the tournament, followed by a 77, concluding with a 16-over-par finish, positioning him at the bottom among those who made the cut.