You are in > manchester.com  > News > Immelman holds off Woods' challenge to take Masters title

Golf

Immelman holds off Woods' challenge to take Masters title

14/04/2008

South Africa's Trevor Immelman has won his maiden major tournament at the US Masters by three shots after holding off world number one Tiger Woods.

The 28-year-old became the first South African since Gary Player to put on the coveted green jacket after he stuttered across the finish line at Augusta.

Woods had looked to put the pressure on Immelman as he carded a solid even-par round of 72 on the final day in difficult conditions.

His opponent made a hash of the 16th with a double bogey after finding the water with his tee shot but recovered from another tricky situation in a bunker near the 17th green to save par.

The challenge of Woods, who was six shots off the lead after the third round, never really materialised despite holing a superb putt on the 11th for birdie to move into contention with the leaders.

But he missed a number of other chances on the inward nine that could have put further pressure on Immleman.

And the South African was a deserved winner on eight under par for the tournament - three shots clear of Woods in second.

Immleman's partner in the final pairing Brandt Snedeker collapsed to a five-over-par 77 on the fourth day to finish tied for third with Stewart Cink, who carded an even-par 72.

Phil Mickelson also made strides up the leaderboard with a 72 to finish tied for fifth with Padraig Harrington and Steve Flesch, whose challenge deteriorated as he could only manage a six-over-par round of 78 to finish on two under overall.

Europe's best hope Paul Casey, who started the day in fourth, endured a disastrous round of 79 - seven over par - to finish on evens for the tournament and tied for 11th overall with fellow Englishman Lee Westwood.