Sergio Garcia has finally won his first major. It was an exercise in perseverance. Since he burst on to the scene back in 1999, he seem destined to win major championships. As time went on, it seem destined that he would never win one. I said this about Garcia after last year’s Open Championship.
- Poor Sergio Garcia – At T5 it was his 2nd top 5 in a major this year. That is 22 top 10′s in major without a win. Garcia may well be on his way to being one of the greatest players ever to never win a major. If he could just get than first one, he could win 3 or 4 in his career. He should take inspiration from Stenson’s win though. Stenson at age 40 just won his first major.
I’m not sure if Garcia did take inspiration from that, but I do think he’s young enough to win another couple of majors at age 37. He’s faced a lot of adversity in his career. Some self inflicted, but he came through on golf’s biggest stage. This was a popular victory.
- Justin Rose was the runner-up to Garcia, and couldn’t have been classier in defeat. Rose has a U.S Open already to his credit and helped put on a great back 9 show with Garcia. He’ll eventually win another a major.
- We have to give a special mention to Fred Couples. The ageless 57 year old had a top 20 finish this week, and shows no signs that he can’t do it a few more times. That’s 6 top 20s during his 50s. That’s incredible.
- Phil Mickelson had himself a top 25 finish. He was in good position going into the weekend, but couldn’t avoid the big hole. He’s about 10 years younger than Couples, and I don’t see why he won’t contend several more times. The Master’s has always been a great place for veterans to contend.
- What could have been if Dustin Johnson hadn’t hurt his back before the tournament? He was the hottest golfer in the world.
- Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were in great spots when the 4th round started. They were playing in the 2nd to last group, but ended up firing over par rounds and finishing 11th. It was surprising neither mounted a charge grouped together. Spieth already has two majors, but Fowler still is waiting on his first. There’s no time to panic for Fowler. He’s one of the world’s best players. He’ll get that major eventually.
- Rory Mcilory had his 4th straight top 10 Masters, but he’s still looking for his first Green Jacket. He’s only 27, and there will be a week when everything is on for him and he wins one… I think I’m pretty sure about that.
- Ernie Els once had 5 straight top 6 finishes at Augusta, but he never won one. At age 47 with his 2012 Open Championship Master’s exemption at an end, the great champion may have played his last Masters. Maybe he can earn his way back, but if not he gave it a number runs. He had quite a Master’s career.
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