Bravo Sergio — Garcia Wins 2017 Masters
Sergio Garcia finally was able to get it done on Sunday afternoon at Augusta National Club to win the 2017 Masters. It would take one extra hole, but he as able to defeat Justin Rose in a 1-hole playoff on his was to capturing his first green jacket and major title.
The victory for the Spaniard would be extra special as it would come on what would have been, the late, Seve Ballesteros' 60th birthday. Ballesteros was a two-time Masters champion and Garcia's childhood idol.
It is a well known thought in the world of golf that the Masters doesn't begin until the back nine on Sunday and the 2017 Masters would be no exception. Garcia would position himself for run after he would eagle 15 just as it might look that he might be going away in the back nine.
Garcia and Rose would go on to par 3 16 tied at 9 under were both players would put the ball on the green inside 10 feet. Justin Rose would make birdie and Sergio Garcia would par the hole giving Rose a one stroke lead.
Rose would give that stroke back after a bogey on 17. The Masters championship would be decided on the 72nd hole...or so it was thought. Both players would miss their birdie attempts by less than a penny's width leading to both players paring out for a sudden death playoff. Those that were lucky enough to be in attendance at Augusta would be treated to an extra hole of golf.
They would go back and tee it up at 18. After an errant drive by Rose going the right side pine straw it would be Garcia's tournament to lose. After all the years of tough luck for Garcia in majors he would not be denied on Sunday. It would be there that Sergio would birdie 18 to Rose's bogey and take the victory.