The 2011 US Masters was one of the closest in memory. At one stage early on the back nine, at least 10 golfers were within two shots of the lead but ultimately Charl Schwartzel was left standing.
Schwartzel chipped in on the first for birdie, holed out for eagle on the third and produced one of the great finishes in US Masters history.
He birdied the final four holes to claim the green jacket including a majestically played 18th hole.
Schwartzel is only 26 but has the poise of a 40 year old. He joins fellow South Africans, Gary Player and Trevor Immelman to claim the US Masters.
Rory McIlroy imploded on the 10th hole. He pulled a drive left into the trees and ended up making a triple-bogey. He surrendered his lead and finished with an 81.
Three Aussies did their best to be the first to claim the green jacket. Geoff Ogilvy got his putter going for the first time all week to roll in four birdies in a row on the back nine and finished in a tie for fourth at 10-under.
Jason Day and Adam Scott, paired together for the final round, played some great golf and did everything they could to win it.
The curse of Augusta proved too strong for the Aussie contingent in the end. They didn’t lose the tournament, they were just outplayed by Schwartzel.
Steve Reid
Guest
There is a slight difference...the US Masters is a real sporting event!! The America's Cup is "so big" that you could guarantee 80% or more of Americans do not know of its existence, nor should they care. But as far as the Masters go it is good to see the Aussies playing superbly and finishing strongly (how about Scott's near ace at the 16th or Day's lengthy birdie at teh 17th??) but there is no denying Schwarzel.....who may now be able to afford the "e and the s" missing from his Christian name. Easily the best and most exciting Masters finish ever. There have been some monumental duels over the years but never any involving up to 10 players, and of those Rory McIlroy is the only one who didn't do well.
Jason Cave
Guest
An Australian winning the US Masters at Augusta would be the equal to Australia II winning the America's Cup back in 1983. Why? Because no Australian golfer-from Greg Norman to Adam Scott-has ever worn the green jacket in the 75 years the Masters has been played. It makes you wonder what more Australian golfers playing in the pro tournaments such as Jason Day or Adam Scott have to do to win probabaly the most important major of the golf year-the US Masters.
Sherry
Guest
A Saffer and Two Aussies. We needed a Kiwi to finish next to them to make it an all Tri Nations Masters.
Aware
Guest
You could say Australia won the teams trophy, having 3 of the top 6. Shows that lack of depth is not the problem. I really thought Tiger Woods would win, but he seems to have lost his aura and there is now real doubt that he will match Nicklauses record of major victories.