Cejka wins maiden PGA Tour title
Alex Cejka recorded his first PGA Tour win on Sunday when he sank a 15-foot birdie putt at the first extra hole for victory in a five-way play-off at the Puerto Rico Open.
The 44-year-old German beat Americans Jon Curran, Tim Petrovic and Sam Saunders and Argentine Emiliano Grillo in a dramatic conclusion to the event.
Cejka’s bags were packed when he was called back after Curran and Grillo both failed to make par on the final hole at the Trump International course in Rio Grande.
They all finished at seven-under-par 281 to force the first five-man playoff on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson won the 2006 BellSouth Classic.
Cejka shot a closing 69 and was satisfied with what he had accomplished and was over the moon when he was called-back.
“I had everything ready to go to the airport and almost was very satisfied with a third-place finish,” Cejka told reporters.
“Suddenly it changed, and here I am. And I’m very, very pleased. I don’t think I’m going to sleep tonight.”
Cejka started the final round with four birdies in the first six holes and had only one blemish on the par-three 11th in an otherwise flawless day out.
“At least I can say I played PGA Tour for a long time and I won. That’s a good sentence I can use when I retire,” said the golfer who also has four European Tour titles to his name.
Grillo, playing on a sponsor exemption, perhaps had most to rue of the playoff losers after missing a short par putt for victory at the 72nd hole.
Saunders, the grandson of the legendary Arnold Palmer, also had cause for regret after missing a makeable birdie putt in the play-off.
Overnight leaders Chris Smith and Scott Brown both shot 73 to finish two strokes off the pace in a share of 10th place.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy determined to boost Masters chances by cutting out mistakes
The Northern Irishman has gone six years without adding to his four major titles.
-
NewsRoss McGowan ends long wait with win at Italian Open
The Englishman had just one European Tour top 10 in four seasons when he arrived at Chervo Golf Club.
-
NewsTyrell Hatton: It’s much ado about a hoodie
Tyrell Hatton his happy to be turning heads with his hoodie, which has made unexpected waves.
-
NewsRory McIlroy acknowledges dry spell ahead of Zozo Championship
Rory McIlroy sees this weeks’ Zozo Championship as an opportunity to end his win drought and gain some confidence.
-
NewsTiger Woods feeling in form as he returns to Sherwood in build-up to Masters
The 44-year-old is happy with his game as Masters season begins in earnest.
-
NewsJason Kokrak: I couldn’t be happier
Jason Kokrak was beaming from ear to ear having finally earned his maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday.
-
NewsSpain’s Adrian Otaegui finishes with a flourish to win Scottish Championship
The Spaniard now has a professional victory in three different formats of the game.
-
NewsThe Rise of Golf: Increasing Popularity of Golf in the US
Golf is played across the US and it’s gaining popularity amongst many Americans.
-
NewsMatt Wallace reaping rewards from taking pressure off his performances
There are seven British players in the top ten at Fairmont St Andrews.
-
The 19th HoleWATCH: Golf cameraman falls on live TV!
A cameraman took an unexpected tumble on live TV during the opening round of golf’s Scottish Championship!