2015-04-26_Birkdale

A battle for the Masters' green jacket and the first major of the season goes to Steve, narrowly edging out a resurgent Jon C. while the short course helped Rick to contend. A hard-fought battle to the end came down to the final holes. Jon N. also played.

The 4 par 5s played a key role during this 1st major round of the season, each gave an opportunity for the golfers to separate themselves from the field or come back to the pack. After strong starts by Jon C. and Jon N., each suffered snowmen at par 5s, Jon C.'s coming on hole 5, Jon N.'s on #9. Rick was able to remain steady giving the shorter holes and had a narrow lead after the front - a meer 4 strokes separated first from fourth.

Jon N. struggled on the back 9, including 2 double pars on last 2 par 3s - couple that with making the turn in 4th took him out of contention. Over the course of the back 9, Steve began his short come-back after being down 2 at the turn, closing the home 9 at a 42, including 5 pars. Steve was able to fend off a reluctantly fading Rick but saw himself tied with Jon C. going into the par 5 18th. A clutch par gave Steve the 1 shot victory over Jon C.'s bogey and 3 ahead of Rick, making this one of the closest majors since the 2013 British. Steve dons the green jacket for the first time since 2011 and the title of Masters champion.