scott;lifts
aussie;masters

twice a playoff loser in the talisker (australian) masters, adam scott fulfilled a lifetime ambition when he lifted the title at Kingston Heath near melbourne. one shot behind overnight leader and defending champion ian poulter, the 32-year-old Queenslander closed with a five-under 67 for a 72-hole total of 271 on the storied sandbelt layout to win by four over the englishman. the seemingly comfortable difference between first and second was misleading, however. only two strokes back after a birdie at the difficult 16th hole, poulter putted to what appeared “gimme” range on the penultimate green. but appearances can be deceptive. stretching to avoid standing on scott’s line, the four-time ryder cup player shockingly missed the tap-in. still, scott was a deserving champion, his score exceptional in blustery conditions. “i’m really happy with what i was able to do this week,” he said, after donning the traditional yellow jacket. “it is satisfying for me to go head-to-head with a world-class player and come out on top.” as for poulter, he was philosophical in defeat. “a fatal error,” he called his late lapse. “but it’s been a good week and hugely enjoyable playing this magnificent golf course.”—John Huggan (@johnhuggan)