Watson triumphs in Augusta, American beats Oosthuizen in play-off

American Bubba Watson came through a thrilling sudden death battle with Louis Oosthuizen to win the Masters at Augusta.

It was a first career major for the emotional Watson and capped a wonderful four days of golf in the Georgian state.

Oosthuizen bogied at the second hole during the play-off, after which Watson to remained cool to claim his maiden green jacket.

The South African had seemed in a far better position, after Bubba mis-hit horribly from the tee. He recovered to make his way on to the green with an outrageous second shot, and didn’t look back as two solid putts secured the title.

Oosthuizen had earlier put himself in contention for the title during regulation golf when he fired only the fourth ever albatross in Masters history. That remarkable feat at the second hole placed him at 10 under, where he would finish after some consistent putting.

The enigmatic Watson was not to be denied though, forcing his way to 10 under with four consecutive birdies at the back nine, before holding his nerve during the thrilling climax of the play-off.

Jamie Jubon