Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Adam Scott finished the job this time, and put an end to more than a half-century of Australian misery at the Masters.

With the two biggest putts of his career, Scott holed a 20-footer for birdie on the 18th hole of regulation that put him into a playoff with Angel Cabrera, and then won his first major championship Sunday with a 12-footer for birdie on the second extra hole.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Gene Sarazen hit “the shot heard ‘round the world,” holing out with a 4-wood from 235 yards in the 15th fairway at Augusta National in 1935. He put a 2 on his card, made up a three-shot deficit with one swing, and then beat Craig Wood in a playoff the next day.

It was the shot that put the Masters on the map.

And it led to a golf term that was made in America, used only in America, and doesn’t make a lick of sense.

Like most golf fans, Errie Ball can’t wait for next week’s Masters.

Unlike most golf fans, however, Ball has a connection with Augusta National that most can only dream about. How many people can say they played in the first Masters, contested almost 80 years ago?

Uh, one.

SAN FRANCISCO -- It's Bubba's world, and we're all just living in it.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bubba Watson started the day by watching the rarest shot in golf. He ended another thrill-a-minute Sunday at Augusta National with a signature shot of his own to win the Masters.

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Phil Mickelson raised the putter in his right hand and slammed down his left fist to celebrate a 20-foot eagle putt that shook Augusta National with the loudest roar on a day filled with them.

Peter Hanson knew what was going on behind him without looking Saturday. He also knew exactly what he had to do.

The 34-year-old Swede, playing in only his second Masters, answered by making four birdies over the last five holes for a 7-under 65, the lowest score of the tournament, to take a one-shot lead into the final round.

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It was going to be Tiger and Phil. And then Tiger and Sergio. Or was Sergio first?