AUGUSTA – Sergio Garcia could not believe the outcome of the 2017 Masters Tournament. He had been here many times before, however with a much different outcome. Early Sunday, it looked as though Sergio Garcia’s nerves were going to get in the way of him winning a major, this had happened many times before. However, Sunday was different. Going down the final stretch of Augusta National Gold Club neck and neck with Justin Rose for the Masters iconic green jacket, Garcia said he felt a sense of calmness come over him, something that he normally never feels in a major competition like the Masters.
The winning putt. #themasters pic.twitter.com/b0lEPfBKxM
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2017
Overview
His hopes were falling behind quickly with six holes to go. Sergio Garcia was two shots behind Justin Rose going into the 12th hole and then things quickly went downhill. His tee shot bounced off of a tree and into the bushes where he would have to take his next shot – the bad luck was starting yet again for Garcia. However, he bounced back from this tee shot to make par on the hole. From then on Garcia competed as a true champion. In sudden death at the 19th hole, after Justin Rose missed his first put, Garcia made his to become a Masters Champion. Garcia says even if he did not win the Masters, he still would leave Augusta with a smile on his face.
Sergio Garcia puts on his green jacket for the first time. #themasters pic.twitter.com/tR9an0Xaqw
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 9, 2017
Justin Rose Reaction
Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia are good friends who have competed in some of the biggest tournaments together for many years. During sudden death, after blowing a birdie put and settling for par, Justin Rose watched his good friend finally win the Masters. After Garcia made his birdie put, Rose walked up and patted Garcia on the cheek before they embraced in a hug. Rose then tapped on Garcia’s heart, Rose later said in a press conference that Garcia deserved to win this tournament because he plays with so much emotion for his home country Spain. Justin Rose says this Masters tournament was an incredible competition between two great friends.