Jordan Spieth falls short of historic finish

Jordan Spieth couldn’t make Masters history Sun­day.

Attempting to become the tournament’s youngest winner, the 20-year-old couldn’t hold on to a two-shot lead through seven holes and had to settle for what could have been.

Spieth finished tied for second at 5-under, three back of playing partner and champion Bubba Watson.

“Obviously, I’ve worked my whole life to lead Augusta on Sun­day, and although I feel like it’s very early in my career and I’ll have more chances, it’s a stinger,” Spieth said.

He would have been the first rookie to win a green jacket since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 and the youngest major champion in 83 years.

Early on Sunday, Spieth had the look and a championship moment. From deep in the bunker on No. 4, he holed out for birdie to go to 7-under.

His glee was short-lived. After getting to 8-under and a two-shot lead with birdie on No. 7, Spieth slumped. On No. 8, he three-putted after what he thought was a good pitch landed well short. On No. 9, his par putt lipped out. Three holes later, his tee shot on No. 12 found water, and he made bogey. He never got those strokes back.

Spieth failed in his quest to wrest the youngest champion honor from Tiger Woods, who was 21 when he won 17 years ago. Woods took the title from Seve Ballesteros, who had won it 17 years before. Ballesteros took it from Jack Nicklaus, who had won his first green jacket 17 years before, in 1963.

“I wasn’t quite – not quite as patient today as I was the first three rounds and holding emotions, as well,” Spieth said. “I was very close. It was still the best I’ve ever done on a Sunday, and I know that it can only improve from there, and that’s what’s driving me to get back out.”

Walking with Watson, Spieth got the cheers and standing ovations as his fourth round came to an end and the inevitability of a runner-up status became more assured. The two men had been co-leaders after three rounds and were tied after eight holes, but Spieth’s day, which had started so promising, ended with him thinking about 2015.

“It stings right now, and the only thing I’m thinking about is when am I getting back next year,” he said. “That’s what’s on my mind, because it’s tough. It’s tough being in this position.”