With galleries at full capacity, the Masters returned to normalcy for the first time in three years. Augusta grounds filled as early as Monday morning, providing little doubt this event would capture the attention of the masses. Although the return of Tiger Woods was the story coming in, Scottie Scheffler did his best to draw the spotlight off of the big cat. Thriving off a current hot streak, the Dallas native put on a show in the 86th edition of the historical tournament.
Scottie Secures His Green Jacket
Holding the lead after two rounds, Scheffler kept his foot on the pedal. Outplaying everyone in the field, Scheffler outclassed his opponents in every area of the course. With fairways and greens in regulation coming in waves, the 25-year-old looked prepared from the jump. With a chip-in birdie on the third hole Sunday, Scheffler made his intentions clear. A final round pairing with Cam Smith provided a challenge that Sheffler was ready for. Leading by four strokes through 14 holes, the University of Texas alum was dialed in. He would go on to finish -10 for the week, carding four birdies in his final 18 holes. This would give the Arnold Palmer Invitational winner his fourth win in 57 days. Look for Scheffler to maintain momentum after securing his first Masters victory in his third appearance. Scheffler is only the fifth OWGR World No. 1 to win the Masters.
Rory’s Resurgence
Entering Sunday’s round, Rory McIlroy was +1, hoping to break a Top-10 finish at this years Masters. Although the Irishman was seemingly out of contention, his competitive nature would not allow him to settle. Finishing eight under par on the day, Rory scrambled up the leaderboard. McIlroy made a statement in his last round, carding six birdies and an eagle. The four-time Major champion knows what it takes to be successful at Augusta. Seven of last his nine Masters appearances ended in a top 10 finish. McIlroy would close the tournament with a chip-in birdie from the bunker on 18. Finishing alone in second has to be a momentum builder for McIlroy. Matching the lowest final round score in Masters history, this weekend will surely go down as one of his most memorable.
Tiger’s Return
Most of the coverage this week was focused on the 46-year-old Woods. Making his PGA Tour return after more than 500 days is reason enough for media attention. In February of 2021, Woods was involved in a car accident that left him wondering if he could ever walk again. Miraculously, Woods has worked his way back onto the PGA tour. Outplaying top OWGR players through two days, Tiger surprised everyone. Not only was he walking the full course, he was navigating it. Golf loyalists were pleased to see one of the greatest of all time back on tour. Making the weekend cut was more than enough to send golf twitter into a frenzy. Following an eventful weekend, fans are eager to see where Woods will go from here. Fittingly enough, the 82-time PGA Tour winner received a generous standing ovation during his walk up to the 18th green.
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