Bubba Watson withstood an inspired early challenge from playing partner Jordan Spieth to clinch the U.S. Masters for a second time in three years with a three-shot victory at Augusta National on Sunday.
Trailing Spieth by two strokes after seven holes, left-handed Watson took advantage of a faltering run by the latter around the turn, and then maintained control on the back nine.
Fan favourite Watson, who landed his first major title with a thrilling playoff win over South African Louis Oosthuizen in 2012, mixed five birdies with two bogeys to card a three-under-par 69 on a warm but mainly overcast afternoon, stuff.co.nz reports.
The 35-year-old from Florida, known for his distance off the tee, his pink-shafted driver with a pink head and his often audacious shot-making, covered the back nine in even par to post an eight-under total of 280.
After being warmly embraced by his caddie, Watson shook hands with Spieth before he was then congratulated greenside by his wife Angie and their two-year-old boy Caleb.
Spieth, at 20 aiming to eclipse Tiger Woods by becoming the youngest player to win the Masters, had to settle for a share of second place at five under after signing off with a 72, finishing level with Swede Jonas Blixt (71).
