Day's best Masters since 2013 has him itching for more

Augusta: Jason Day says his best Masters result in five years has him counting down the days until next year's Augusta National major.

Day's Sunday charge came too late in what was a disappointing week for the Australian contingent, given Day and Adam Scott shared the 36-hole lead.

Replay

Former world No.1 Day started the third round tied for the lead but capitulated with a 73, only to bounce back with a five-under-par 67 on Sunday to finish tied fifth at 11 under.

Tiger Woods came from behind with a 70 to earn a 13-under-par (275) total and a one-shot Masters win from Brooks Koepka (70), Dustin Johnson (68) and Xander Schauffele (68).

Day earned his best placing at Augusta since a solo third behind countryman Scott – when he became the first Australian to win the Masters in 2013.

Frustrated by throwing away a chance this year on Saturday, Day said he was pleased with his finish.

Still, the green jacket eludes the 31-year-old.

"Being from Australia, this is the one I've always wanted to win,' said Day, who was also runner-up in 2011.

"I always hold it a little dearer than the other majors … I want to win all of them but this is a little more special.

"I was discouraged with how things happened on Saturday but it's nice to finish off the Masters with a good solid round."

Day came within striking distance of then leader Francesco Molinari midway through the back nine when he birdied the par fives at No.13 and No.15.

He also birdied the 18th but finished two back of Woods.

"I didn't start to notice the leaderboard until the back nine but I thought if I could birdie 12, 13, 14 and 15 then I'd be in with a chance," Day said.

Day's tournament will be particularly frustrating for Australian fans given he double-bogeyed the reachable par-five 15th hole on Saturday.

"This is my best finish since 2013, that is a bit of a dry spell," he said.

"But I love this course; it tests your emotions and attitude."

Scott was unable to mount a final-round charge, shooting 73 to share 18th at six under.

The former world No.1's hopes were all but over when he double-bogeyed the par-three fourth and bogeyed the par-four fifth.

"It was not easy today. Unfortunately, four and five were big setbacks after a good start the first couple of holes and they put me on the back foot," Scott said.

Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith also faded on Sunday.

Leishman carded a 75 to share 49th at one over, while Smith's 77 left him tied for 51st at two over.

AAP

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *