David Toms said goodbye to his wife on the 11th fairway, then said hello to Masters history.

Staring on the 12th hole, Toms ripped off six consecutive birdies en route to a record-tying score of 29 on the back nine on Sunday. He also tied the mark for best final round total with a 64, finishing the tournament at 5-under-par 283, and his six straight back-nine birdies tied another record.

``Probably the highlight of my career, I would say at this point,'' Toms said. ``Just because of the setting, the timing, the back nine on Sunday of the Masters, you know.''

The 31-year old former Louisiana State University golfer enjoyed the best moment of his golf career without the presence of his wife. Sonya Toms said farewell to her husband on the 11th fairway before catching an early flight on Sunday back home to Shreveport, La. She missed the birdie run.

``I think my wife would have stayed,'' Toms said.

Toms made his first-ever appearance at the Masters a memorable one. He set or tied the following tournament records:

Low second nine of 29 (tying Mark Calcavecchia in 1992). Said Calcavecchia, ``What a great day for (Toms). It was good for him and the game of golf. I know that record is going to be broken eventually.''

Most consecutive birdies with 6 (tying Johnny Miller in 1975; Mark Calcavecchia in 1992).

Low fourth round of 64 (tying Maurice Bembridge in 1974; Hale Irwin in 1975, Gary Player in 1978 and Greg Norman in 1988).

Low 18 by a first-year player (tying Lloyd Mangrum in 1940, Mike Donald in 1990).

Low fourth round by a first-year player (breaking record of 66 held by Anders Forsbrand in 1993).

``My goal for today was to finish in the top 24 (which earns a return invitation to next year's Masters),'' Toms said. ``That was it. I knew if I shot a couple under I'd be in good shape.''

So impressive was Toms on Sunday that he got the ultimate compliment from the Masters gallery: A standing ovation while he walked onto the 18th green.

``Very special,'' Toms said. ``I was nervous. My face was shaking. It was something special, even more so than when I walked up the 18th at Quad City last year (to qualify for the Masters). It was a different sound. I've always heard about it, and to experience it was very special.''

Toms Records

Best final round in the Masters, 64:

1974, Maurice Bembridge, 34-30

1975, Hale Irwin, 32-32

1978, Gary Player, 34-30

1988, Greg Norman, 30-34

1998, David Toms, 35-29

Most consecutive birdies in the Masters, 6:

1975, Johnny Miller, third round starting with No. 2

1992, Mark Calcavecchia, final round starting with No. 13

1998, David Toms, final round starting with No. 12

Best back nine in the Masters, 29:

1992, Mark Calcavecchia

1998, David Toms

Here's how Toms played the back nine on Sunday:

No. 10 -- Birdie: Driver, 7-iron, one-putt from 15 feet

No. 11 -- Par: Driver, iron, two-putt

No. 12 -- Birdie: 7-iron, one-putt from 12 feet

No. 13 -- Birdie: Driver, 4-iron left of green, putted from swale up the hill within 6 feet and made that

No. 14 -- Birdie: Driver, 8-iron, one-putt from 6 feet

No. 15 -- Birdie: Driver, 5-wood from 231 yards to 40 feet over the green, chip to 4 feet and made that

No. 16 -- Birdie: 5-iron, one-putt from 8 feet

No. 17 -- Birdie: Driver, sand wedge from 120 yards, one-putt from 25 feet

No. 18 -- Par: Driver into fairway bunker, play out right of green, chip to 6 feet and made that for par

Back nine total: 8 greens in regulation, 10 putts, 7 birdies