Rocco Mediate suffered the ultimate golfing heartbreak on Augusta's notorious 12th hole in the final round of the Masters - a double-digit score.
Tied for the lead only three holes before, the popular American pro went to the tee at 3 under par for the tournament and still in contention.
But Mediate walked off four over after making 10 on the famous par three. With a weak and injured back, he saw his tee shot splash in the water in front of the green.
After taking penalty drops, he dunked his 3rd and 5th shots in Raes creek as well. The 7th went in a bunker at the back, he came out on to the green and two putted for the ignominious double figure number.
It's not the highest score recorded on the hole - Tom Weiskopf had a 13 there in 1980 - but it meant Mediate's chances of a high finish evaporated. He eventually shot 80 and finished in a tie for 36th.
A player with a history of back troubles, he re-injured his back making a shot earlier in the day.
"I almost had to quit. My back went psycho. I just couldn't make the swings.
"It sucks, it's the best 71 holes of golf I've ever played."
Pity about the 72nd.
Mediate's 10 is the second double figure score on a hole at this year's Masters. David Duvall reached the unfortunate total on the par five second in the second round.
Golf: From 3 under to 4 over after 'hole from hell'
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.