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A Green Jacket for Immelman

28-year-old South African leads all four rounds, on way to 3-shot vwin over Woods

By Chip Bayers,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 13, 2008 7:10 PM CDT

(Newser) – Trevor Immelman has never felt better. Four months after he had a tumor removed from his back, Immelman handled the wind and pressure of Augusta National far better than anyone chasing him Sunday to win the Masters, the first South African in a green jacket in 30 years. Immelman held it together around Amen Corner and stretched his lead to as many as six shots on the back nine, taking the life out of a Masters that began with so much hype.  

A two-putt par on the final hole gave him a 3-over 75, matching the highest final round by a Masters champion. Even so, it was good enough for a three-shot victory over Tiger Woods, whose hopes for a calendar Grand Slam ended with a thud. Woods never got within five shots of the lead when he was on the course, twice missed birdie putts inside 8 feet and had to settle for a 72 and his second consecutive runner-up finish in the Masters.  

Trevor Immelman of South Africa celebrates with his son Jacob after winning the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Trevor Immelman of South Africa celebrates with his son Jacob after winning the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Trevor Immelman, right,  of South Africa  is congratulated by Brandt Snedeker as they walk up the 18th fairway during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008. Immelman won the Masters tournament.
Trevor Immelman, right, of South Africa is congratulated by Brandt Snedeker as they walk up the 18th fairway during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club...   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Trevor Immelman of South Africa reacts after winning the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Trevor Immelman of South Africa reacts after winning the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Trevor Immelman of South Africa watches his drive on the 15th tee during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Trevor Immelman of South Africa watches his drive on the 15th tee during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Defending Masters' champion Zach Johnson, followed by his caddie Damon Green, tips his cap as he walks off the 18th hole during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008. Johnson finished with a three over...
Defending Masters' champion Zach Johnson, followed by his caddie Damon Green, tips his cap as he walks off the 18th hole during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National...   (AP Photo)
Tiger Woods reacts after making a bogey putt on the 14th hole during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Tiger Woods reacts after making a bogey putt on the 14th hole during the final round of the 2008 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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