Page 17 - Golf Champion -May 2022

his face, others began to falter. final green on the 72nd hole.
For Australian Smith, who had pushed Scheffler so hard, With a big lead and his 2022 Masters champion title
his charge for a debut major felt apart on the treacherous almost certainly wrapped up, Scheffler showed he was
par-three 12th hole when his tee shot found the water human as he four-putted -- missing two from close range
and he had to settle for a triple-bogey. -- before rolling home the winning putt and sparking
While Smith's confidence seemed to vanish, Scheffler scenes of celebration.
remained steadfast, continuing to pick up pars and the
odd birdie to maintain his sizeable lead. Embraces with his beaming wife Meredith and his
His closest challenger eventually became McIlroy, who proud father Scott were the first order of business before
shot up the leaderboard following an outstanding eight- he made the short walk to the clubhouse to sign his
under par 64 to claim the clubhouse lead. victorious scorecard and prepare himself for his new
item of clothing.
Even with the pressure of a potential Masters title on the According to the PGA Tour, Scheffler's win makes him
line, though, Scheffler did not buckle, instead adding to the first player to win four times in a PGA Tour season by
his lead over the 14th and 15th holes to stretch it to five the end of the Masters since David Duval in 1999.
with just three holes remaining. This story has been updated to make clear that Scottie
And from there, despite a wayward drive on the 17th, Scheffler finished three shots ahead of Rory McIlroy.
Scheffler managed to calm his nerves, right up until the

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