Charl Schwartzel emerged from highly contested final round in recent memory in Augusta to don the symbolic Green Jacket as the 2011 Masters Champion.

Charl Schwartzel wears the Green Jacket, helped by 2010 champ Phil Mickelson
Image from ESPN/Golf Video

Casual golf fans like me never heard of him, but it sure is a great way to introduce one's self via The Masters at the famed Augusta National Golf course.

Charl Scwartzel speaking at the Green Jacket Ceremony
Image from ESPN/Golf Video

Wikipedia says that Schwartzel hails from South Africa who is actively touring the European Tour and Sunshine Tour professional golfing circuits. This is only his 2nd appearance in the Masters and he is another first time Masters and grand slam winner.

What many predicted to be a win, and perhaps a coronation stroll, for Rory McIlroy who had a four stroke lead after the third round turned out to be entirely different. 8 players had at least a share of the lead. This included, Tiger Woods who made a charged fell short in the back nine to finish his best final round in Augusta 67 but only tied for fourth just like last year.

McIlroy carded an 80 in a final round stunning collapse. I remember last year's British Open where he also carded an 80 after a great score the previous round. But at least then, the wind was mad. I think this time, he really felt the pressure of Augusta.

In the end, Charl Schwartel closed out with four straight birdies, two shots clear over Adam Scott and Jason Day to be the 2011 Masters champion.

*****
I'm curious how the Green Jacket is prepared.

Does Augusta measures all contestants and then orders for those who makes it through weekend? Or is it free-sized? :D

Masters Tournament logo taken from Wikipedia

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Monday after the 2009 Masters Golf Championships at Augusta,  Georgia, the golf world congratulates another first time Green jacket wearer, Angel Cabrera of Argentina.

Cabrera, also known as El Pato, won his second major championship title after making a par on the second playoff hole against a fading Kenny Perry. Becoming the first South American Masters champ and the lowest-ranked player to win the Masters.

The tournament started with pundits and golf expert expecting a showdown between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson for the coveted green jacket. Well, they did have a showdown to the delight of the gallery that followed them when they are paired for the final round. Only that their last ditch effort both fell short.

Looking back, they did were not able to capitalize on the first and second round where the famed Augusta Golf course relented low scores.

Coming off a dramatic win at the Arnold Palmer invitational, Woods was expected, as usual, to stomp his class over the field, me definitely included. But for some reasons, he seemed to had a difficult time with the course compared with the other players in the opening rounds.

How I wish, there was a player who called out to Tiger and pissed him off. Probably, that would drive Tiger nuts to win in Augusta.

I think he, himself, would be pissed off with his performance on the first major of the year, and release his frustrations when he defends his US Open title. This time with two good knees.

*** Image taken from Wikipedia.

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