Final Day Sunday at the 2021 Masters

Posted on April 12, 2021
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Sunday at The Masters Hideki broke a 4 year win drought and earned himself a spot in Masters folklore with the first Japanese male major win. It was an exciting final day, probably not what he wanted, but he remained calm throughout - even after holing the final putt. This major win seemed a certainty when Hideki made his debut in 2010 at Augusta and by the time he finished 2nd at the US Open, it became a case of when. But he then faded away for a few years, only to emerge sporadically - but not in the winner’s circle. It was great having DJ spend his weekend in Georgia, to hand over the green jacket, despite the world #’s 1 MC. He did dress up nice and smart. Sunday was as we expected. Someone was going to come out hot and cut the lead to a few less. Cue Zala, who opened with 2 birdies. There was also a charge by a chaser - Rahmbo - to give them all hope that there was a score to be had. Hideki had hardly left the 2nd tee box and his lead was only 1 after starting at 4! It was all to play for. Once again the death trap of holes #4 to #7 greeted the players and suddenly the brakes were all on. Wheels were coming off everywhere. Except for 2 men on the front 9: Hideki and Zala. Both turned in 34, thanks to some closing birdies. The back 9 produced all sorts of shenanigans. Xander had fallen off the bus before producing 4 birdies in a row - probably should have had an eagle in that batch - but still stood on 16 with a hope. What followed was pure panic. A triple bogey 6 followed - his worst score in a major. Hideki had brought a few chasers into it - he had been solid through Amen corner. But then finally the adrenalin peaked on 15 with his iron flying and into water past the 16th tee. He followed this up with a 3-putt bogey on 16 and a bogey 5 on 18 for a leaky 39 on the back 9. Unfortunately for Zala, whilst chasing he could only come home in level par 36 to post 70 and 9 under. This wasn’t going to be enough, although he did keep himself fresh on the range, in case a playoff arrived. In reality, a little more pressure from the chasers might have been enough to create a stir. But it never really came until late. Hideki did lose a significant margin over the closing 4 holes. Round of the Day Rahmbo came out the blocks quickly with a birdie on 1, eagle on 2 and continued to threaten all day - eventually posting a bogey free 66. He played with the freedom of a chaser - with nothing to lose. Many above him were not that fortunate. Rahmbo has been on the peripheral all week - the world # 3 vaulting himself into another top 5 finish. He is definitely eager and ready to claim his first major. Shot of the Day As usual for Sunday, the pin on 16 was inviting and we had a few near misses - closest being Cameron Champ’s tee shot early on, Leish followed him too. Both gimme’s. The Human Phenom nearly got it twice, but this chip-in on 14, using the bank then slope to drop 1 in for birdie, took the cake. He needed the lip to slow this one down, but it worked and then the slope did the rest. The Leaders Zala has certainly arrived on the big stage - now being qualified for all the next 4 majors. He played all 4 rounds under par at Augusta and since 2020 has the most worldwide top 10s, tied with Rahmbo. What a rise its been! The top 5 also included Xander (again) - he seems to be stuck in 4th gear when coming down the wire. The chances don’t come automatically and he needs to take advantage. Jordan is back and he will be fired up for the PGA Championship - and that chase at the Grand Slam. Hideki though was in the top 10 all week and ultimately deserved the win, despite the near calamity. The Chasers Critical on this list was the band of T12s who all qualify for next year. Players like Harman, Bob the Scot and Stink - who all made returns/debuts at Augusta are locked in for next year already. Augusta can be pretty frustrating for anyone, but Billy Horschel had been tackling some demons all week. For a full view of the scores head to the Masters Leaderboard and to the majorpunter leaderboard. majorpunter Leaderboard: