Spain's Sergio Garcia won the 81st US Masters at the first playoff hole on Sunday, after 73 failed attempts to land his long-awaited first major title.

Garcia achieved his long-sought triumph over England's Justin Rose, the 2016 Rio Olympic champion and 2013 US Open winner, after they finished tied on nine-under par 279 after 72 holes at Augusta National.

"It's been such a long time coming," said Garcia. "I felt today the calmest I ever felt on a major Sunday."

The 37-year-old Spaniard took the greatest triumph of his career, and a $1.98 million top prize from an $11 million payout for the field.