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21 year old Jordan Spieth fired a final round 70 on Sunday to become the second youngest Masters winner in the tournament’s history, and also was the first player to go wire-to-wire since Raymond Floyd in 1976.
The now second ranked player in the world fended off a host of big names including Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Tiger Woods. In the process, Spieth tied the 72 hole scoring record of -18 that was first set by Woods in 1997.
“This was arguably the greatest day of my life,” said Spieth. “To have this jacket forever is something that I can’t fathom right now.”
The native Texan was dominant all week in his four shot victory, setting numerous tournament records:
- Lowest opening round score (64) by a winner
- 36 hole record of -14 (130)
- 54 hole record of -16 (200)
- Most birdies made in a tournament (28)
Four-time Master champion Tiger Woods, playing his first competitive golf in nine weeks, finished in a tie for 17th at -5. He struggled to find any momentum after hurting his wrist on Sunday en route to a 73, but wasn’t discouraged by his performance.
“To make the complete swing change, then come here to a major championship and contend…I’m proud of that part of it,” said Woods. “I just wish I could have made a few more putts and moved up that board.”
It was a seemingly stress-free road for Jordan Spieth in the final round — no player was able to get within three shots of him the entire day. Playing partner Justin Rose cut the lead to three on three separate occasions in the front nine, but Spieth had an answer for nearly every birdie the Englishman made.
With the victory, Spieth positioned himself as the second ranked player in the Official World Golf Rankings. Rory McIlroy, who shot a final round 66 to finish fourth, still holds the top spot. However, this is the first time that two players age 25 or younger have been ranked numbers one and two.
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