Justin Thomas wins in Hawaii
Justin Thomas won his third PGA Tour title in Hawaii on Sunday after holding off a challenge by Hideki Matsuyama to win the Tournament of Champions.
The 23-year-old American held on to finish on 22-under par and take his first win in his home country despite hitting a double bogey on the 15th.
Thomas, who shot three rounds of 67 to hold the lead going into the final round, had a five-stroke advantage over the Japanese star on the 14th, but Matsuyama holed a spectacular shot for eagle to cut Thomas’ advantage to three shots.
Thomas responded by hitting a perfect drive in the center of the fairway on the par-5 15th – but his next shot was horrible. Thomas hit an iron way left of the green and into a hazard, forcing him into a drop. He eventually holed out for a double-bogey seven, while Matsuyama grabbed a par that cut Thomas’ lead to one.
Both made par on the 16th, but Thomas pulled away on the 549-yard par-4 17th to seal the win. From just over 200 yards, he nailed an iron to within a few feet for a birdie and heaped the pressure back on Matsuyama.
Matsuyama’s approach left him around 25 feet away, but he three-putted to effectively end his challenge, finishing three shots back on 19 under.
Former Masters and US Open champ Jordan Spieth finished a further three shots back in a tie for third place with Americans Pat Perez and Ryan Moore.
Reigning US Open champion Dustin Johnson finished tied for sixth at 15-under par.
Latest
-
European TourCollin Morikawa using Bahamas setback as motivation to become world number one
The two-time major winner squandered a five-shot lead on the final day at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last month.
-
NewsBryson DeChambeau: I don’t want to be a super-controversial figure
The big-hitting American was given some useful advice by Hollywood star Chris Pratt.
-
PGA TourWebb Simpson eyeing Ryder Cup return after winless 2021
The American tees it up this week at the Sony Open, an event where he has a fine record.
-
PGA TourCameron Smith secures record-breaking wire-to-wire victory in Hawaii
The Australian made history at Kapalua with his winning total.
-
PGA TourViktor Hovland happy to be reunited with lost golf clubs in Hawaii
Viktor Hovland was able to breathe a sigh of relief after being reunited with his golf clubs six days after losing them in transit.
-
PGA TourPhil Mickelson confirmed for Tournament of Champions after 21-year absence
Phil Mickelson has confirmed his participation in next month’s Sentry Tournament of Champions on the PGA Tour.
-
NewsTiger Woods ‘worn out’ after second-placed finish with son at PNC Championship
Team Woods finished two shots behind John Daly and his son John Daly II in Orlando.
-
NewsTiger Woods and son Charlie three shots back at PNC Championship in Orlando
The 15-time major winner was back in action after injury
-
Matt CooperTiger’s back: All the best social as Tiger Woods returns to the golf course
The 15-time Major Champion played his first round of golf in public since his car accident in February.
-
NewsTiger Woods plays down expectations ahead of competitive golf return
Woods is playing with his son Charlie art this weekend’s PNC Championship.