Matt Jones sweats on world rankings for US Masters invite

Matt Jones’ win in the Australian Open has him on the verge of securing a place in the US Masters.

Matt Jones poses with the Stonehaven trophy after winning the 2015 Australian Open.

Matt Jones’s win in the Australian Open on Sunday has him on the verge of securing a place in the US Masters.

Jones, whose one and only appearance at Augusta National came last year when he missed the cut, has jumped 30 places to No 51 in the world rankings thanks to his thrilling last-day victory in the Australian Open over world No 1 Jordan Spieth.

He now faces a nervous wait over the next two weeks to see whether he can force his way into the top 50, which would guarantee him a place at next year’s Masters. The 35-year-old has already secured a spot in the British Open thanks to his win at The Australian Golf Club, grabbing one of three spots on offer at the national championship.

Fellow Australian Adam Scott was among Jones’s victims on Sunday, finishing in second place one shot behind the Sydneysider. Scott became the first Australia to win the US Masters in 2013.

Jones’s coach Gary Barter believes his charge’s win at the weekend proves he is ready to contend at major championships, where his best previous finish was a share of 21st at this year’s USPGA, won by compatriot Jason Day.

“I grew up with Steve Elkington, played golf with Steve as a junior,” Barter said. “Steve was very similar to Matt — beautiful golf swing.”