(Austin) Cameron Young saved his best shots for last Sunday, defeating Rory McIlroy in the Championship by Hole. Then it was Sam Burns who caused the upset by knocking out defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
The last performance of the Championship by Hole did not lack spectacle.
It was the first time in its 24-year history that both semi-final matches went to overtime. Just as the Austin Golf Club was set to host a dream final between two of the best players in the world, Young and Burns stepped in.
Both McIlroy and Scheffler had the advantage in overtime. For McIlroy, he missed a birdie on the first extra hole. Scheffler had a four-foot putt for a birdie to win on the second overtime hole, but missed it and Burns beat him on the next hole.
McIlroy never trailed on the back nine and was leading by two holes with three holes to date, but he sent his tee shot into the bunker on 16e pennant. Young reduced the lead and both players posted the same score at 17e hole.
PHOTO ERIC GAY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cameron Young
At 18e flag, McIlroy hit his tee shot in a bad position and Young took the opportunity to birdie it to force overtime.
Scheffler trailed for the third straight game as Burns won the first three holes. The world number one, however, closed the gap and he gave himself a two-hole lead after 10 holes.
This time it was Burns who came from behind thanks to a birdie at 13e and 15e pennants. He took the lead following a short birdie at 17e hole, but Scheffler extended the suspense.
Scheffler and McIlroy will play a consolation match for third place. Young, who was in the race for victory at two major tournaments last year, has never been closer to claiming a first PGA Tour title.