The road to South Africa's Masters glory began in 1961 with Gary Player's first of three victories.
But Trevor Immelman made sure it would continue in 2008 as the second Tournament winner from his nation.
With Player's encouraging voice mail message ringing in his ears, Immelman captured his first Green Jacket by three shots over Tiger Woods on the 30th anniversary of Player's final Masters win.
"This Tournament is such a big deal in South Africa," said Immelman. "Kids dream about winning this Tournament just like I did. I have no idea what's going to happen now, but I'm sure it's going to be good."
He shot 75 in the final round and posted an eight-under-par 280 total.
Immelman, 28, was playing in his sixth Masters. He led or was tied for the lead after every round at Augusta National Golf Club.
He entered the final 18 holes with a two-shot lead over Brandt Snedeker, but said he drew inspiration from Player.
After playing a practice round with Immelman on Tuesday, the Masters mentor told the young pupil he was ready to take the final step to golf stardom.
Later in the week Player made a point of telling reporters that Immelman had the finest golf swing he had seen since two-time Masters Champion Ben Hogan.
Then Player applied the final bit of encouragement late Saturday.
He left Immelman voice mail saying he knew Immelman would win Sunday and to keep his head still while putting.
"I was so excited with what Mr. Player said, I played it over the speaker for the entire family," Immelman said. "It gave me goose bumps."
While the winds blew most of the field away - there were only four sub-par rounds on the final day - Immelman stayed steady most of the round.
"I just stayed patient and stuck with my strategy," Immelman said.
"I definitely took note on how Zach Johnson won last year by laying up on the par 5s, and decided I need a 4-iron or less to go for them in two shots.
It paid off for him on Sunday, as he birdied the par 5 13th hole and made a par five on the 15th, laying up both times.
After the victory, he broke into a big smile, flexed his muscles, and held his hands high in the air applauding the Patron support.
He then hugged his wife, Carminita, and his 18-month-old son Jacob Trevor, who wobbled down to the green to meet dad.
He gave his dad, Johan, the commissioner of the South African Sunshine Tour, and his older brother, Mark, who serves as his swing coach, big hugs as well.
"I always dreamed about winning majors and I always thought I was good enough," Immelman said after the victory, "but you miss a few cuts and have a few setbacks and you think maybe I'm not good enough.
"This is just a tremendous boost to me."
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