[Masters] 'Scheffler's Reign'... Wears the Green Jacket Again

Second Cheers Following 2022 in 'Myeongin Yeoljeon'
Season 3rd Win and 9th Career Victory, 5 Billion Prize Money
An Byeonghun 16th, McIlroy 22nd, Woods 60th

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA) donned his second 'Green Jacket.'

Scottie Scheffler is cheering immediately after winning the Masters. [Augusta (USA) = AP·Yonhap News]

On the 14th (local time), at Augusta National Golf Club (par 72, 7,555 yards) in Augusta, Georgia, USA, the first major tournament of 2024, the 88th Masters Tournament (total prize money $20 million), concluded with Scheffler shooting a 4-under 68 in the final round to secure a 4-stroke victory (11-under 277). This marked his second Masters win following 2022, his third victory of the year, and his ninth career win. The winner's prize money was $3.6 million (approximately 5 billion KRW).

Scheffler, who had vowed to withdraw and rush home regardless of his standing if his heavily pregnant wife went into labor, displayed remarkable focus on the course to fend off competitors. Starting with a one-stroke lead, he recorded seven birdies and three bogeys. After struggling and losing a stroke in the first seven holes, he energized himself with three consecutive birdies from holes 8 to 10. Following a bogey on the 11th hole (par 4), he escaped his challengers with back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th holes and another birdie on the 16th hole (par 3).

Scheffler appears to be in his prime this year. In nine tournaments, he has demonstrated extraordinary power by finishing in the top 10 eight times, including three wins. His worst result was a tie for 17th at the American Express in January. In his last four tournaments, he has shown exceptional form with results of 'win-win-tied 2nd-win.' He is leading all categories, including world ranking, money list, FedEx Cup points, and scoring average.

Ludvig ?berg (Sweden) performed well by shooting 3-under, finishing as runner-up (7-under 281) in his first major appearance, proving his value as a next-generation prospect. Collin Morikawa, Max Homa (both USA), and Tommy Fleetwood (England) tied for third place (4-under 284). Among LIV Golf players, Bryson DeChambeau (USA) and Cameron Smith (Australia) tied for sixth place (2-under 286), achieving the best results among their peers.

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), who was attempting the 'Career Grand Slam' by winning all four different major tournaments, finished tied for 22nd (4-over 292). Defending champion Jon Rahm (Spain) ended the tournament tied for 45th (9-over 297). 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) lost five strokes and finished 60th (16-over 304), the lowest among players who made the cut. Although he achieved the historic feat of qualifying for the Masters 24 consecutive years, the most in tournament history, he posted his worst score since turning professional.

From Korea, Byeong Hun An struggled with a 3-over finish, dropping from a tie for 9th to a tie for 16th (2-over 290). On the other hand, Juhyung Kim recorded a daily best 6-under 66, climbing from a tie for 52nd to a tie for 30th (5-over 293). Si Woo Kim joined this group by showing strong finishing with 2-under. Sungjae Im, the runner-up of this tournament in 2020, failed to make the cut.