The 2018 Masters

Reed edges Fowler, Spieth to capture Masters thriller.

- Jim Slater

Fending off epic challenges from three top rivals in a dramatic Masters final round, Patrick Reed captured his first major title, grinding out a one-shot victory at Augusta National. The 27-year-old US Ryder Cup firebrand showed the same grit he displays in match-play battles, dispatching Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy in an emotional battle that had spectators roaring.

"Today was probably the hardest mentally a round of golf can possibly be," Reed said after his win. "I knew it was going to be a dogfight. Having to shoot under par in the final round to win my first major, it was awesome," Reed added. "It was really satisfying." In addition to the iconic winner's green jacket, Reed pocketed US$1.98 million from a US$11 million purse.

Reed, whose breakthrough came in his 17th major start, fired a 1-under par 71 to finish 72 holes on 15-under 273, one stroke ahead of Fowler (US$$1.188 million prize money) with Spieth third (US$748,000) on 275 and Spain's Jon Rahm fourth (US$$528,000) on 276.

British Open champion Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion and twice a runner-up, matched the low final-round in Augusta National history with a 64, a closing bogey thwarting his bid for the biggest comeback to win in Masters history. "I started nine back," Spieth said. "I wanted to shoot a low round and see if something crazy happens."