AUGUSTA, Georgia – Jordan Spieth has cemented his place as the next big thing in golf, becoming the second-youngest Masters champion in history after dominating the field by going wire-to-wire to win by four shots.
Invoking memories of Tiger Woods’ breakout performance in 1997, the 21-year-old Texan will jump to world No.2 behind only Rory McIlroy after shooting a final round two-under-70 to win at a tournament record-equalling 18-under-270.
Former US Open champion Justin Rose (70) tied for second with five-times major champion Phil Mickelson (69).
A birdie on the 15th hole sent Spieth to 19-under, the first time the score has been reached in Masters history, but he dropped back a shot on the 18th and tied Woods’ Masters record set in his first win in 1997 when he was just a few months younger.
He broke the 54-hole tournament record shared by Woods (1997) and Floyd (1976) on Saturday, having set a 36-hole record a day earlier.
Spieth, the reigning Australian Open champion, showed composure way beyond his years becoming only the fifth wire-to-wire winner in Masters history, joining Craig Wood in 1941, Arnold Palmer in 1960, Jack Nicklaus in 1972 and Raymond Floyd in 1976.
“It’s the most incredible week of my life,” said Spieth. “It’s a dream come true. I’m still kind of in shock a little bit.”
He added: “It was very nerve-wracking today. With two major champions right behind me, I couldn’t let up.”
Rose got within three shots a few times on the front nine while Mickelson was within four on the front nine, but neither could make further inroads.
Spieth’s 28 birdies eclipsed the most in a single Masters tournament, taking over from Mickelson’s 25 in 2001 and came just a year after finishing as runner-up to Bubba Watson on debut.
McIlroy closed with a 66 to finish at 12-under in fourth as he chased the career grand slam.
