Garcia eyes British Open after "better late than never" Masters win

What he did not have, after two decades of trying, was a major title to show for it. Just the same, that was always going to be the theme about Sergio, as his friend observed.

Longtime BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss faced widespread criticism early in the Masters week, and ended the tournament in a similar situation.

Another bad break. Another alibi for losing. "I've been reminded probably 300 times that I haven't won a major this week".

"He fought his way back into it. Sergio should be very proud of himself".

"I think he deserved to win a major", Snedeker said. "I felt the calmest I've ever felt on a Major Sunday and even after making a couple of bogeys I was still very positive, and hit some really good shots coming in and I'm so happy".

An improbable par at the 13th provided the impetus for an unexpected charge.

It was only five years ago when Sergio Garcia stood outside the clubhouse at the Augusta National Golf Club after shooting a third-round 75 and told Spanish-speaking reporters he didn't have the game to win a major championship. This time, the Englishman blinked first. The Spaniard, often known for choking in big moments, finally secured his first major championship. But there were questions about the mutual respect between the long-time rivals.

His birdie putt missed, too. It was great fun to be a part of, I felt I did virtually everything right.

Sergio Garcia, of Spain, holds up his winning trophy at the green jacket ceremony after the Masters golf tournament Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Augusta, Ga.

While he joined the elite list of Masters champions on Sunday evening, Garcia also wrote his name onto an exclusive list of golfers to win two separate tournaments at The Masters.

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel claimed third position, with Matt Kuchar - who hit a hole-in-one on the 16th - and Masters rookie Thomas Pieters completing the top five.

But Rose charged back into the lead later on in the front nine. The last four years, he's finished a combined 26 shots out of the top spot. The 23-year-old Texan struggled throughout. Instead, Spieth opened with bogeys on two of his first three holes.

Not since 1998 have the last two players on the course gone to the 18th tied for the lead, and both had their chances to win. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has nine career PGA Tour wins and 18 global victories, credited his new attitude as a big reason why he is no longer one of the best players in the world without a signature victory, saying it was the calmest he's ever felt in a major on Sunday. He finished tied for 11th here, which hardly seemed like progress.

"He definitely popped in my mind a few times, there is no doubt about it", Garcia said of Ballesteros, who died in 2011 of complications resulting from a cancerous brain tumor.

It was an electrifying final-round duel with great sportsmanship exhibited between Garcia and Rose.