Sergio Garcia wins the Masters in dramatic play-off with Justin Rose

Sergio Garcia ended his long wait for his first major title after beating Justin Rose in a play-off for the Masters.

The Spaniard, who had not won a major in 73 attempts, picked up a birdie at the first extra hole following a sensational dual with his good friend and Ryder Cup team-mate.

Rose overturned an early three-stroke deficit to lead by a shot after 16 holes, only to bogey the 17th and then fail to convert a birdie attempt from seven feet on the last.

That left Garcia with a chance to win his first major title, but his putt from five feet slid past the hole and meant a play-off as both players finished on nine under par.

The players returned to the 18th and Rose was unable to save par after pushing his drive into the trees and hitting a poor recovery, but Garcia finished an unforgettable day in style by holing from 12 feet for birdie.

“It’s been such a long time coming and I thought I had it on 18,” Garcia said before receiving his green jacket from 2016 champion Danny Willett.

“I hit the putt exactly where I wanted. I knew I was playing well. I felt the calmest I’ve ever felt on a major Sunday and even after making a couple of bogeys I was still very positive, and hit some really good shots coming in and I’m so happy.

“It’s amazing to do it on Seve’s 60th birthday and to join him and (Jose Maria) Olazabal, my two idols in golf, it’s something amazing.

“Jose (Maria Olazabal) sent me a text on Wednesday telling me how much he believed in me and what I needed to do, believe in myself, be calm and not let things get to me as I had in the past.”

Tagged Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, The Masters