Scottie Scheffler - The Masters Champion

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER won The Masters in sensational style, holding off a thrilling challenge from Rory McIlroy, who came from nowhere to close out with a spectacular 64 and finish second.

The Northern Irishman finished his round in tremendous fashion, holing a bunker shot for a birdie - and then watched his playing partner, Collin Morikawa, do exactly the same thing.

But the day belonged to Scheffler, the 25-year-old World Number One, who won his first major and his fourth tournament of the year. He could even afford to four-putt the final green for a double bogey, three-putting from five feet. He shot a final round of 71, and was the only player in the field to break par in all four rounds.

Scheffler finished the week on 278, 10 under par, after rounds of 69, 67, 71, 71.

Australia's Cameron Smith, in the last pair with Scheffler, shot a 73. World number six Smith was aiming for a rare double of Players Championship and Masters victories, but ended up finishing third on five under alongside Ireland's Shane Lowry. 

Scheffler held a three-shot overnight lead and continued his recent dominance with another commanding performance in Sunday's final round. 

The highlight was a stunning chip-in for birdie on the third, which turned momentum back in his favour after 28-year-old Smith had reduced the gap to one shot with birdies on the opening two holes.

Afterwards, Scheffler said: "I was very excited [at the third hole], a bit surprised. It was not a shot I expected to see going in but it definitely got things rollng, after that and I played some really solid golf after that.

"It's a long day, it's a tough day and I was trying to keep my head down and execute shots.

"I was fortunate to put myself in a position that I was in control of the tournament today. I did see that Rory [McIlroy] posted seven under.

"The first time I thought of winning was probably Friday in the afternoon.

"I want to go home now I'm pretty tired right now - I'm really at a loss for words right now.

"I can't thank my family enough - they've made many sacrifices over the years. To have the honour of winning the tournament and to have my family with me was incredible."

Smith applied pressure before seeing his chances irreparably damaged with a double bogey on the iconic par-three 12th.

Unruffled by McIlroy's charge and Smith's troubles, Scheffler converted more birdies at 14 and 15 to lead by five shots with three holes left.

A majestic display ended with the uncharacteristic wobble on the 18th as Scheffler, finally showing signs of emotion as tears filled the eyes of his wife Meredith, took four putts to confirm victory.

When the final shot dropped to an even louder cheer, he could finally relax before fighting back the tears.

"I tried to keep my head down and execute shots. I knew if I took care of my stuff and played solid stuff, I'd get the job done," he added.

"I'm kind of glad I missed those putts at the end because it meant I didn't get too emotional.” 

Tiger Woods finished the week with a second successive 78. He ended the week in 47th place as he completed another remarkable comeback. 

Afterwards he said that he wasn’t sure if he would be fit enough to play in the USPGA Championship at Southern Hills next month, but he did confirm that he will definitely be playing in The Open Championship at St Andrews in July. “It’s my favourite course in all the world,” said Woods. “It’s near and dear to my heart. It’s a course where I have won twice and I can’t wait to get back there."