Masters runner-up Justin Rose revealed he felt like "he had it wrapped up" at the turn in the final round, but said Sergio Garcia "deserved" his win.
Deadlocked after nine holes, the two friends and rivals produced an enthralling back-nine showdown.
Garcia and Rose finished tied on nine-under-par at the end of regulation and sent the year's first major to a sudden death play-off when both missed birdie putts and settled for pars at the 72nd hole.
Garcia, playing his 71st consecutive major championship, finally won the duel by finding the heart of the 18th green in two before holing out for his first major after nearly two decades of heartache.
Rose, who was looking to become the first European player to win the Masters and US Open, said: "Lots of good things happened today. It was a wonderful battle and if there is anyone you want to lose to it's Sergio. He deserves it, he's had his fair share of heartache.
"I felt I had it under control round the turn, he obviously rallied and had a great comeback with the save on 13, the birdie on 14 and eagle on 15. Other than that I had it won.
"This is a tournament I am going to win one day. I've been in the last group a couple of times and shot 14 under when Jordan [Spieth] won. I feel really confident here, this my favourite tournament of the year. I still have a bunch of good years in me and feel this is one I can still knock off."
Watch how The 2017 Masters was won on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf!
Plus, we'll have all areas covered on Sky Sports News HQ and via our website skysports.com/golf, our app for mobile devices and iPad or our Twitter account @skysportsgolf with our live blog, news, reports, and expert analysis.
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!