Spaniard’s thrilling fairy tale triumph over Rose
It’s the sort of stuff that fairy tales are made of: Spain’s Sergio Garcia winning the Masters in a thrilling Sunday showdown on the very day that his late friend and hero, Seve Ballesteros would have celebrated his 60th birthday. Victory at Augusta National brings Garcia’s drought in Majors to an end. And if all of that wasn’t special enough, he was able to share the momentous occasion with his beautiful bride-to-be.
The pink azaleas may have peaked a little early this Spring in Georgia, but the players were right on song to create a truly sensational 81st playing of the US Masters (6-9 April 2017). Even right down to the final putt, the drama just kept unfolding. In a dramatic sudden-death play-off, Olympic Champion Justin Rose was pipped at the post when Garcia holed out for birdie and Masters victory at the first extra hole.
It had been an incredible journey for the 37-year old Spaniard. As a talented young boy, Sergio was always tipped to become the new Seve. He turned professional at the age of 19. With 13 European Tour victories to his name and official prize money which now totals nearly 26 million euros, Sergio has enjoyed a highly successful playing career. Although it was perhaps his Ryder Cup appearances under the watchful eye of Seve and José Maria Olazábal that saw him shoot to world fame. Yet the ultimate dream of winning a Major tournament had always eluded him.
Like many players, Sergio has also had his share of ups and downs. In fact, a few years ago, he had all but given up on the struggle to win one of golf’s ‘big four’. After 73 attempts, he seemed destined to carry the tag: ‘Best player never to have won a Major’. His passion for the game was often overshadowed by frustration and impatience. Then a new love entered his life. She answers to the name of Angela Akins.
“I felt the calmest I’ve ever felt in a Major”
– Sergio Garcia minutes after slipping on the Green Jacket
The final round of the 2017 Masters, especially the last nine holes, was just as thrilling as any Ryder Cup encounter. Shot for shot, Garcia and Rose matched each other and continually challenged one another with the engaging sporting attitude of “Anything you can do, I can do better!” Like two gladiators, they were locked in battle.
Played in the true spirit of the game, Sunday was a joy to watch. Even in the early hours of Monday morning, after four long and exciting days of watching the Masters, the play-off was gripping enough to keep golf fans around the globe glued to the box. One good friend of mine admitted: “I munched my way through a whole bunch of grapes in order to keep awake!” Others probably have no finger-nails left. It’s a fact, the quality of golf on those last few holes and the intense drama simply left everyone hungry for more.
When Rose had an almost identical putt-line at the 18th in the play-off as he had had shortly before in regulation play, it seemed inevitable that he would hole it. The Olympic Champion looked invincible. Yet his well-struck putt from 12 feet slipped agonisingly over the left edge of the hole this time. Rose stared in disbelief. The crowds gasped. It was now down to Seve’s protégé to gather his nerve and find the putting stroke which had begun to desert him on the slippery slopes at Augusta down the final stretch.
Now it was different. Perhaps inspired by the great Spanish Maestro above, Sergio looked exceedingly calm. There appeared to be no doubt in his mind. It was his destiny. He struck the perfect putt. And the waiting was over. Sergio Garcia, Masters Champion at last. And on Seve’s birthday!
Many congratulations to you Sergio! We admire your tenacity and salute you as Masters Champion! It’s a wonderful fairy tale and may you live happily ever after…
Wendy Hoad
PICTURED: An ecstatic Sergio Garcia holes out for Masters glory on the first sudden-death play-off hole. (centre l-r:) Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose.
