Bubba Watson became just the third Masters champion to claim a second win in a three-year span when he nestled into his second green jacket at Augusta National on Sunday.
2014 MASTERS LEADERBOARD
- Bubba Watson -8
- Jonas Blixt -5
- Jordan Spieth -5
- Miguel Angel Jimenez -4
- Matt Kuchar -3
- Rickie Fowler -2
- Lee Westwood -1
- Bernhard Langer E
- Thomas Bjorn E
- John Senden E
The Floridian's triumph was more comfortable than his tense play-off with Louis Oosthuizen in 2012, as he finished on -8, three shots ahead of Swede Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth.
Watson, with his son Caleb, takes the acclaim from fans at Augusta after finishing his final round
Spieth, the 20-year-old rookie, threatened to become the youngest winner at Augusta when he briefly moved three shots clear after seven holes, but finished joint second with Blixt.
Watson carded a closing 69 and was embraced by his wife and their son on the 18th green, he and Angie having adopted Caleb just days before his victory over Oosthuizen two years ago.
Since Mike Weir's win in 2003, the Masters has been won by a left-hander six times.
Watson is congratulated by his wife, Angie, after clinching his second Masters win
European hopes of a first winner since José María Olazábal in 1999 had been high, but Miguel Ángel Jiménez - also looking to become golf's oldest major champion - paid the price for a front nine of 38, while Lee Westwood was never in contention after playing the first four holes in three over.
Rory McIlroy's best Masters finish was little consolation for a frustrating week which also saw the former world number one outscored by his marker in the third round, the 24-year-old joint eighth with 56-year-old two-time champion Bernhard Langer.
Bubba Watson wins 2014 Masters
GOLF-US-MASTERS(01 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(03 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States walks with his caddie Ted Scott on the Nelson Bridge during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US plays a shot on the 7th hole during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(05 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States waits with his caddie Ted Scott on the tenth green during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Jordan Spieth (L) and Bubba Watson (R) walk up to the 7th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(07 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US tees on the fourth hole during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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US golfers Bubba Watson (R) and Jordan Spieth (2nd R) make their way to tee off during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(10 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States plays a bunker shot on the seventh hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(11 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States plays a bunker shot on the seventh hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(12 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States saves par on the seventh hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US putts on the 10th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim Watson (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(14 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States walks to the tenth green during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(15 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States waves to the gallery on the tenth green during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 13th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(17 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States waits on the 12th green during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(18 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States watches his eagle attempt on the 13th green during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US reacts after missing an eagle putt on the 13th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US lines up a putt shot on the 13th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US putts on the 13th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(22 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US plays a shot out of a bunker during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(23 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US plays a shot out of a bunker during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US tees off on the fourth hole during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(25 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US tees off on the fourth hole during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(26 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(27 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States plays a bunker shot on the second hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US lines up his putt shot on the first green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(29 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States watches his tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(30 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States watches his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(31 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States watches his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(32 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States hits a shot to the second green during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(33 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth of the United States walk with their caddies to the second green during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Bubba Watson of the US tees off on the third hole during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(35 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US plays a shot out of a bunker during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(36 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US plays a shot out of a bunker on the seventh hole during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(37 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US plays a shot out of a bunker on the seventh hole during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(38 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 8th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(39 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 8th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(40 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 8th green during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(41 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States watches his approach shot on the ninth hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(42 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States plays a bunker shot on the seventh hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(43 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States plays a bunker shot on the seventh hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(44 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States reacts after hitting out of the bunker on the seventh hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(45 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States hits his second shot on the fifth hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(46 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States plays a bunker shot on the ssventh hole during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS-FINAL(47 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US makes his way to play a shot during the final round of the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS(48 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US embraces his wife Angie and their son Caleb after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS(49 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US embraces his wife Angie and their son Caleb after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(50 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States holds his son Caleb on the 18th green after winning the 2014 Masters Tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. during the final round of the 2014 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS(51 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(52 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States walks with his son Caleb behind the 18th green after winning the 2014 Masters Tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS(53 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(54 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States walks off the 18th green after winning the 2014 Masters Tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(55 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States walks off the 18th green after winning the 2014 Masters Tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS(56 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US reacts after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(57 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States celebrates with his caddie Ted Scott on the 18th green after winning the 2014 Masters Tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
GOLF-US-MASTERS(58 of60)
Bubba Watson of the US embraces his caddie after putting on the 18th green during the 78th Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. Watson won his second Masters finishing 8-under par. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(59 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States hugs Jordan Spieth on the 18th green after Watson won the 2014 Masters Tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The Masters - Final Round(60 of60)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 13: Bubba Watson of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the 2014 Masters Tournament by a three-stroke margin at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2014 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)