By Phil Casey, PA Sport, Augusta

Paul Lawrie led the British challenge at the US Masters despite labelling some of the Sunday pin positions as "ridiculous".

Lawrie made the cut for the first time in four attempts at Augusta and ensured he would be back next year by finishing in a tie for 15th on two over par, alongside defending champion Tiger Woods.

It could have been even better for the former Open champion, who was in second place midway through the third round on Saturday before a double bogey on the 12th and triple bogey on the 13th.

But the 34-year-old from Aberdeen was still pleased with rounds of 72-72-73-73 to complete a good three-week spell in America.

"It was an experience for me to play the course on the weekend for the first time," said Lawrie who made the cut in the Players' Championship at Sawgrass and finished ninth in the BellSouth Classic the week before the Masters.

"There is no question it was more difficult. Some of the pin positions were ridiculous and there are times when this course can make a fool of you."

Darren Clarke shot a last round 74 to finish a disappointing 28th on six over, the Ulsterman having had a three-shot lead after a first round 66.

Nick Faldo was a shot further back on seven over, two ahead of debutant Justin Rose who closed with a 77 to be nine over.

Rose found it difficult to come to terms with the notoriously difficult greens, but still enjoyed his first visit to Augusta.

"It's just the X factor of the place," the 22-year-old said. "It's Augusta; you look out across the course and it is just beautiful.

"Just being here has been great. I spent a few hundred dollars in the gift shop the first day I got here, getting a few presents for friends back home.

"I feel a little tired right now but it's been an exciting week and that's taken a lot out of me as well as playing 27 holes on Friday and Saturday. But it's been a great week all in all and I can't wait to get back here.

"The first three days I was really comfortable with my game but when we restarted Saturday morning I missed a lot of short putts.

"It was really frustrating because when I did hit a good putt I mis-read it, and when I mis-hit the putts I felt comfortable with the line. I just couldn't quite get the stupid thing in the hole."