Who Won the Masters Golf Tournament in 2011?

By Sarah Miller · July 5, 2042

In 2011, Charl Schwartzel won the Masters Tournament, claiming his first and only major championship with a thrilling final-round 66 at Augusta National Golf Club.

Charl Schwartzel's 2011 Masters Victory

South African golfer Charl Schwartzel captured the 75th edition of the Masters Tournament on April 10, 2011. Entering the final round six shots behind the leaders, Schwartzel delivered one of the most clutch performances in tournament history, birdieing the final four holes to finish at 14-under-par 274, two strokes ahead of runners-up Adam Scott and Jason Day.

Key Highlights of the Final Round

Schwartzel shot a flawless 6-under 66 in the final round, the lowest closing round by a Masters champion since 1995.
He became the third South African to win the Masters, joining Gary Player and Trevor Immelman.
His back-to-back birdies on the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th holes sealed the victory under intense pressure.
At age 26, he was one of the youngest international winners in recent Masters history.

Leaderboard Analysis: Top Finishers at the 2011 Masters

The 2011 Masters featured a tightly contested leaderboard, especially during the final stretch. Several players had opportunities to win, but only Schwartzel maintained composure when it mattered most.

Place	Player	Country	Score (To Par)	Total	Rounds
1	Charl Schwartzel	South Africa	-14	274	70-68-70-66
T2	Adam Scott	Australia	-12	276	73-66-69-68
T2	Jason Day	Australia	-12	276	70-68-70-68
4	Fred Couples	United States	-11	277	67-70-71-69
5	Peter Hanson	Sweden	-10	278	69-71-69-69
T6	Tiger Woods	United States	-9	279	71-72-68-68
T6	Rory McIlroy	Northern Ireland	-9	279	65-72-70-72

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights how tightly packed the leaderboard was, with five players within three strokes of the lead entering Sunday. Schwartzel’s consistency across all four rounds—especially his bogey-free final round—set him apart. Notably, both Adam Scott and Jason Day, representing Australia, pushed hard but couldn’t match Schwartzel’s late surge.

Historical Context and Significance

The 2011 Masters was notable for several reasons beyond Schwartzel’s breakthrough win:

It marked the first time two Australians finished in solo or tied second place at Augusta.
Rory McIlroy, who held a four-shot lead after 54 holes, collapsed early on Sunday with a triple-bogey on the 10th, finishing tied for sixth.
Fred Couples, at age 51, remained competitive deep into contention, showcasing remarkable form for a veteran player.
The tournament reaffirmed Augusta National’s reputation for rewarding precision, mental toughness, and course management.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2011 Masters Tournament

Who won the Masters golf tournament in 2011?

Charl Schwartzel won the 2011 Masters Tournament, securing his first major title with a final-round 66 and finishing at 14-under-par.

How did Charl Schwartzel win the 2011 Masters?

Schwartzel won by shooting a flawless 6-under 66 in the final round, birdieing the last four holes. His consistent play and composure under pressure allowed him to overcome a six-shot deficit and win by two strokes.

Did Rory McIlroy win the 2011 Masters?

No, Rory McIlroy did not win the 2011 Masters. He led by four shots after 54 holes but suffered a triple-bogey on the 10th hole during the final round and ultimately finished tied for sixth.

Where was the 2011 Masters held?

The 2011 Masters Tournament was held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA—the traditional and permanent venue for the event.

Has Charl Schwartzel won any other majors besides the 2011 Masters?

No, Charl Schwartzel has not won any other major championships. The 2011 Masters remains his sole major victory, though he has had consistent success on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.