Masters 2022 LIVE: Leaderboard and scores as Scottie Scheffler beats Rory McIlroy to win the green jacket
Follow live reaction as Scottie Scheffler sealed a dominant Masters victory after holding off a thrilling late surge from Rory McIlroy
Scottie Scheffler has won The Masters after holding off the challenge of Cameron Smith and a sublime final-round performance from Rory McIlroy at Augusta to secure a first major title.
It completes a stunning rise and caps a dominant run for the 25-year-old American, who in the space of 56 days has won his first professional tournament at the Phoenix Open, reached number one in the world rankings after a further two wins in four starts, and now claimed the green jacket.
McIlroy, who started his round at +1 and at one point this week was 13 shots off the pace, carded a wonderful seven-under-64 to claim a surprise second-place finish with the joint-lowest final round in Masters history.
His magnficant charge was sealed as he chipped in for birdie from the 18th bunker but ultimately his run came too late in the day and his wait for an elusive Masters title goes on. Scheffler wrapped his victory over the closing five holes and finished three shots clear with a total score of -10, even if required a four-putt double bogey at the last.
Follow live reaction from the final round of The Masters below:
Masters 2022: Birdie for Scheffler
He’s making this look easy! Scheffler extends his lead with a birdie at the 14th, as Smith falls away with a bogey.
Lowry has now joined Morikawa in a share of third after making birdie at 15.
Masters 2022
Rory McIlroy, speaking to Sky Sports, asked if that was his best experience at Augusta:
“By far. I got off to a great start today and I kept it rolling. I knew I had to have my best round here to have a chance.
“I shot 65 in 2018 and I knew I needed lower than that. I can’t ask any more from myself. It’s the most fun I’ve had on a golf course in a long time.
“I just wanted to post a number. I feel like I was playing well this week and we finally had the conditions were you could shoot for it. I made shots, made putts. I’m getting the hang of this place after 14 years of trying. Whatever happens today, I’ll keep trying.
“When I eagled 13, I knew I’d have chances with 14, 15, 16. I missed a couple of tee shots left.
“We’ll see what happens. I’ll watch Scottie come in. You never know.”
Masters 2022: BIRDIE FOR MCILROY!
Just look at this. The way he uses the green after aiming so far right. One of the greatest shots in the histroy of the Masters!
Somehow, his playing partner Morikawa also holed out from the bunker. He has a share for third, alonside Smith!
Masters 2022: BIRDIE FOR MCILROY!
WHAT THE
McIlroy has just birdied the 18th from the bunker! He finishes with a 64, the lowest final round in Masters history, just one shot off the course record at Augusta!
He is three shots clear of Smith in second place, three behind Scheffler!
One of the greatest rounds in Masters history and he wasn’t even in contention! It has at least given Scheffler something to think about.
And with that, Scheffler leaves a birdie putt at the 13th high...
Masters 2022
Smith, at the par-5 13th, flirts with the water again as his second shot just about holds up on the fringe of the bank.
Scheffler has laid up but there was not nearly as much jeopardy in his approach.
Masters 2022: Triple bogey for Smith
Smith knew this is where it was heading after finding the water. After that stunning birdie at the 11th, his hopes have surely gone now.
Scheffler still had eight feet to go for par after his ultra-safe tee shot but makes it. Smith is six shots back now and McIlroy is Scheffler’s closest competitor at -6.
Masters 2022: Par for McIlroy
McIlroy can’t find the slope on the 16th green to get the ball to run back towards the hole. He gave the birdie putt a shot and makes the par save, but remains -6. Just two holes to go - and his drive at 17 has not helped.
Masters 2022: Smith in the water!
But Augusta giveth, Augusta taketh away.
Smith is in the water at the 12th after finding the drink with his tee shot at the par-3.
He let go of his club as soon as he hit it.
What a let off for Scheffler - it means that even after sending his tee shot well left, he’s still in a good position.
Huge mistake from the Australian.
Masters 2022: Birdie for Smith!
What a make from Smith! This is a huge birdie at the notoriously tough 11th. Landing on the green in two and within 15 feet was impressive enough, draining the speedy putt downhill was special.
It turns the pressure on Scheffler who left himself with work to do to make his par. That’s clutch, though. Scheffler makes to ensure Smith is only getting to three back.
Masters 2022: McIlroy second
And just like that, McIlroy is in a tie for second at -6.
But he will know that he’s just missed a chance at the par-5 15th. His drive down the left took the option of going for the green in two out of the equation and the pitch into the green left with with 12 feet for birdie.
It was a tough putt and the line was good, but it just didn’t have the pace. Three holes to go...
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