'Cried like a baby' – Scottie Scheffler wins 86th Masters as Rory McIlroy roars back to finish second

Scottie Scheffler cut a figure of glorious composure on the final day as a closing 71 saw him claim his first Masters title in assured style by three strokes ahead of a rejuvenated Rory McIlroy. The world No. 1 astonishingly lifted a fourth title in his past six starts and a merited first major with a supreme display of outstanding course management and flawless shot execution on Sunday around Augusta National.

Ad/> «I tried to keep my head down and execute shots,» he said. «I knew if I took care of my stuff and played solid stuff, I'd get the job done. Masters'Should be a great fight' – Scheffler and Smith set for epic Duel in the Sun at AugustaYESTERDAY AT 00:37 »I didn't want any stress towards the end of the day, and I didn't break my concentration until we got on to the green on 18.

«Once we got on to the green, I was like, all right, I'm going to enjoy this, and had some fun with it.» /> Players champion Cameron Smith managed to close to within three strokes of his playing partner with a lovely birdie on the 11th hole, but he emptied his tee shot into the water on the 155-yard par-3 12th seconds later to kill off his hopes in running up a triple bogey six. In contrast, Scheffler opted to steer his tee shot left and dry, but still got up and down for par. «It was definitely nice to build up a lead,» he commented.

«Nothing is safe out there on the back nine on this golf course. I've heard all the things that everybody says, it doesn't start till the back nine on Sunday, anything can happen, don't hit in the water on 12, all the stuff. »You know, I just blocked most of that out and tried to execute and hit good golf shots." /> A 71 from the 25-year-old Texan professional saw him move to nine under on Saturday evening