Reed fights of back nine challenges to win Masters

Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits off the second tee during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

AUGUSTA, Ga. (Reuters) - Patrick Reed fought off furious back nine challenges from Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler for a one shot victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday to claim a coveted Green Jacket and his first major championship.

The final round began with Reed holding a three shot advantage over Rory McIlroy but after the Northern Irishman's challenge faded, Reed held his nerve to drain a four-foot par putt at the 18th to give him a final round one-under 71 and end Fowler's hopes of a playoff.

Tiger Woods of the U.S. looks over the fifth green during first round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Fowler, who remains without a major title, had put the pressure on his U.S. Ryder Cup team mate with a back nine charge that featured four birdies including one at the last but his 67 would not be enough.

Before Fowler took up the challenge of overhauling Reed, it was Spieth leading the chase with a sizzling eight-under 64 that matched the lowest final round ever at a Masters to finish two shots back.

It was another remarkable Masters performance by the 24-year-old American, who has now won the Green Jacket once, finished runner-up twice and settled for third on Sunday.

Rafael Cabrera-Bello of Spain hits off the second tee during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Marc Leishman of Australia hits from a sand trap on the seventh hole during third round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

A patron walks to put his chairs down around the 18th green prior to final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

A golf patron places his chair during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Patrons place their chairs around the 18th green during final round play of the 2018 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, U.S. April 8, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst