(Mckinney) Canadian Taylor Pendrith did his best to ignore the collapse at 18e hole from Ben Kohles, focusing instead on an eagle putt that he thought was enough to force overtime.
Several surprising minutes later, a three-foot birdie putt gave Pendrith his first career PGA Tour victory.
Kohles beat Pendrith with a birdie at 16e and 17e holes, but then made bogey at the 18the pennant, after sending his second shot into the tall grass near the green.
Already reeling after two approaches, Kohles missed a putt from six feet that would have forced at least one extra hole.
“I was trying not to pay attention to what he was doing, even though it was hugely important, obviously,” Pendrith said. I feel bad for Ben. He played very well today, especially during the last holes. I’ve been on the other side of the coin before, that’s golf. »
Pendrith shot a 67 (under 4) and had a cumulative score of under 23 on the TPC Craig Ranch course. The 32-year-old golfer won at his 74e departure in the PGA.
Kohles played 66 to finish one stroke behind the Canadian. For his part, he has still not triumphed in 68 starts.
“Honestly, I haven’t seen tall grass like this all week,” Kohles said. I needed a little more elevation on the ball. I accomplished so many good things this week. I’m just going to remember that and try to put myself back in that position. »
The Swede Alex Noren, who was also looking to record a first victory in the PGA, took third place, two shots behind Pendrith. He brought back a card of 65.
Aaron Rai (64), Matt Wallace (68), the leader after the first round, SH Kim (64) and Byeong Hun An (65) all shared fourth place, at 20 under.
Jake Knapp, the second-round leader who worked as a security guard in California three years ago, scored a 70 for a cumulative score of minus-19. Knapp and Wallace were the only players in the top-8 to have already won a PGA tournament.
Pendrith and Kohles were only separated by one shot or tied for much of the day. After Kohles holed a putt from 20 feet to take the lead at 17e hole, Pendrith saw his ball roll around the cup before going in for a par.
“The ball curved at the last second. It gave me a chance to reach the top spot,” noted Pendrith.
The victory qualified the Canadian for the PGA Championship, which takes place in two weeks, as well as next year’s Masters Tournament.