The Masters Report: We rate how the Brits fared
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Justin Rose led the charge in a bid to become the first European to win both the US Open and the Masters, but it was not to be. Rose led the field at one point by three-shots, but a fierce come-back from eventual winner Sergio Garcia saw Rose lose his chance to get back-to-back English Masters victories on the first play-off hole.
Although Rose was the top English player, he was certainly not the only British player to find the top 10 of the leaderboard on Sunday. It was a record number (11) of English players who teed up in the 81st Masters, but for some it was a trip to forget. Here’s how they and their fellow UK and Ireland rivals performed in the season’s first major…
Justin Rose: Runner-Up (71-72-67-69)
So-near-but-so-far for the Englishman who went agonisingly close, one errant drive in the sudden-death play-off, from adding the Masters to his US Open and Olympic titles. Will surely be donning the Green Jacket in the near future.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Paul Casey: 6th (72-72-69-68)
Like Rose, Casey has knocked on the Augusta door before and again, like Rose, he seriously threatened to walk right through it. Will fancy his chances next time round.
Rating: 8.5
Rory McIlroy: Tied 7th (72-73-71-69)
A good effort by McIlroy who was strongly fancied to finally clinch the grand slam of majors. But good isn’t good enough – you have to be great to win the Masters – and too many lapses, especially with the putter, cost McIlroy. Sunday’s round was the only time McIlroy had an under-par round during the tournament, but despite natural disappointment he becomes the only player to be in the top 10 in each of the last four Masters.
Rating: 8
Lee Westwood: Tied 18th (70-77-68-74)
Another solid Augusta showing from the vastly experienced player who started promisingly but like many others was literally blown away by Friday’s strong winds. Enjoyed an impressive ‘moving day’ but it just didn’t happen for him yesterday when in truth he had too much too do.
Rating: 7
Matt Fitzpatrick: 32nd (70-78-73-70)
A very similar opening couple of rounds to ‘Westy’ and after pulling out all the stops to combat Thursday’s high winds, he struggled to cope with the following day’s blustery conditions. But it was only his third Masters and he’ll be back and will learn from his latest experience.
Rating: 7
Ross Fisher: Tied 41st (76-74-74-71)
Plucky effort by Fisher who fought back well after a dodgy start and kept battling until the bitter end to finish in red figures.
Rating: 6.5
Andy Sullivan: Tied 48th (71-78-76-73)
Another one unable to build on a bright opening and left himself with a mountain to climb after shooting +6 in the 2nd round. After a disappointing Saturday round was only playing for pride yesterday but on the plus side it was only his second Masters and he too has time on his side.
Rating: 6
Ian Woosnam: MC (76-78)
The veteran Welshman and 1991 champion showed he can still knock it around Augusta. Just not as well as he used to.
Rating: 5
Scott Gregory (A): MC (82-75)
A memorable experience of what it’s really like in golf’s fast lane. But at least the Amateur Champion got to smell the flowers….
Rating: 5
Danny Willett: MC (73-78)
It all went horribly wrong for the defending champion – ecstatic 12 months ago but despair this time round, an eight on the 1st on Saturday knocking him for six. Willett sadly became the first defending champion to miss the cut since Mike Weir in 2004.
Rating: 4.5
Chris Wood: MC (74-77)
Like Willett, frustratingly missed the cut by one and paid the ultimate price for a lack-lustre 2nd round.
Rating: 4.5
Russell Knox: MC (76-76)
A disappointing second Masters for the Scot who bowed out with something of a whimper.
Rating: 4.5
Shane Lowry: MC (72-79)
These Irish eyes were smiling after a gutsy opening round but unfortunately turned they disappeared 24 hours later.
Rating: 4.5
Sandy Lyle: MC (77-83)
The 1988 champion who showed glimpses of the ‘good old days’ to end up near the top of the leaderboard early on day one, but it was a brief rise and fall to a missed cut.
Rating: 4.5
Tyrrell Hatton: MC (80-78)
It was in-form Hatton’s first Masters and clearly one to forget in a hurry after opening his account with a dismal 80.
Rating: 4
