Sergio Garcia holds his nerve to sink tournament winning putt in Mississippi
Sergio Garcia was almost inch-perfect on his approach to the 18th and sunk a three-foot putt to seal the Sanderson Farms Championship.
The 2017 Masters winner was among a leading group of three in Mississippi heading into the final round but was left chasing a target set by Peter Malnati.
American Malnati carded a career best round of 63 to launch himself into contention on Sunday, picking up consecutive shots on the 10th, 11th and 12th to reach the clubhouse on 18 under for the tournament and set the pace.
One last putt with his eyes closed … the winning putt. 🏆 @TheSergioGarcia is a winner again on the PGA TOUR!
A dramatic 72nd hole birdie gives him the victory @Sanderson_Champ. pic.twitter.com/B58zvPs3Pj
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 4, 2020
But the Spaniard was helped on his pursuit with an eagle three at the 14th when his ball clipped the top of the bunker on the approach to leave a 41 inch putt.
An 8-iron to within two feet six inches on the last set up a relatively simple putt as Garcia secured his first PGA Tour title since 2017 and his 11th overall.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “The perfect ending for an amazing week.
A perfect shot at the perfect time. 🎯 @TheSergioGarcia needs birdie on the 72nd hole to win @Sanderson_Champ.
He just did this … pic.twitter.com/z6UoP8txvC
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 4, 2020
“I stood up on 18 and I did what I’ve been doing all week. I trusted myself.”
Malnati ended up second, a shot ahead of JT Poston who carded a 70 to go 16 under for the tournament.
Scotland’s Martin Laird was the best of the Britons, his round of 70 seeing him finish tied for 28th on nine under.
Latest
-
NewsSteve Stricker makes Padraig Harrington sweat as Irishman wins US Senior Open
The pair were rival captains in last year’s Ryder Cup in Wisconsin.
-
NewsGolfers warned of further sanctions if they continue to play in LIV breakaway
The DP World Tour has issued fines of £100,000 and tournament bans to its members who played in the inaugural LIV Golf event earlier this month
-
European TourDP World Tour hits members who played inaugural LIV series with £100,000 fines
They have also been banned from several forthcoming tournaments including the Scottish Open.
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.
-
US OpenGary Player urges Matt Fitzpatrick to avoid ‘poison’ of modern-day coaching
Player tells US Open champion Fitzpatrick to learn from mistakes of recent major winners, saying: “The teaching today is the worst it has ever been.”
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster ready for ‘long party’ after US Open win
Foster won his first major after a 40-year career which includes spells working for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick backed to become a dominant force after winning first major
The Englishman claimed his first major title at Brookline.