AUGUSTA, Ga. — Charl Schwartzel of South Africa closed with four straight birdies Sunday to win the Masters over a pair of Australians in one of the most dramatic finishes ever at Augusta National.
Schwartzel's final putt from 20 feet curled into the side of the cup for a 6-under 66, the best closing round at the Masters in 22 years. It gave the 26-year-old a two-shot victory over Adam Scott and Jason Day.
"Just an exciting day," said Schwartzel, who finished at 13-under 274. "So many roars, and that atmosphere out there was just incredible. A phenomenal day."
Scott shot a 67 and Day finished with two straight birdies for a 68, leaving the Aussies in second place at 276. It was bitter disappointment for themselves and their country: the Masters is the only major an Australian has never won.
Tiger Woods was in a group at 278, failing to capitalize after making four birdies and an eagle to shoot a 31 on the front side. He missed short putts at both the 12th and 15th holes, limping to the finish with a 36 on the back nine.
"It could have been," he said. "I hit it good all day."
Ryo Ishikawa turned in a strong final round to share 20th and Asian amateur champion Hideki Matsuyama ended his impressive week in a tie for 27th.
"It's nice to have a birdie-birdie finish. I played those last two holes the way I wanted to," Ishikawa said. "I was out of breath like a marathon runner in the end."
At age 19, Ishikawa was already making his third Masters appearance and playing the weekend rounds for the first time.
"I've never played a major tournament for four days this consistently. I believe I have a great year ahead of me if I can play this kind of golf," Ishikawa said.
Rory McIlroy, who entered the day with a four-stroke lead, meanwhile, suffered a stunning collapse.
Still leading by one shot as he headed to the back nine, the Northern Ireland golfer hit a tee shot next to the cabins left of the 10th fairway and twice hit a tree to make triple bogey. He three-putted from 7 feet for bogey on the 11th, four-putted from about 12 feet on the next hole and then buried his head into his forearm as the loss began to settle in.
McIlroy shot 80, the highest final round by the 54-hole leader since Ken Venturi in 1956.
Schwartzel's victory comes on the 50th anniversary of South Africa's Gary Player becoming the first international player to win the Masters.
"I am absolutely delighted for Charl and South Africa. Congratulations and very well done to him. That is how you finish like a champion!" Player said on Twitter.
Eight players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the back nine Sunday. The steady hand came from the eventual champion Schwartzel, whose only bogey was on the fourth hole.
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