Eric Cole, still chasing a first career win, charged to the top of the PGA Championship first-round leaderboard ahead of a pack of major winners on Thursday before play was halted due to darkness, bringing the curtain down on a wild day at Oak Hill.

Starting on the back nine, the PGA Tour rookie mixed six birdies with a bogey to reach five-under par with four holes to play. Former U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau holds the overnight clubhouse lead after carding a four-under 66.

Lurking a shot further back on three-under are a pair of Masters winners in world number two Scottie Scheffler and LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;hope Dustin Johnson, along with Canadian Corey Conners. "It was a good day, five-under through the holes that I played was good," said Cole. "I played solid for the most part and got a couple of good breaks when I needed them, so it was a good day."

From scores to temperatures, it was a day of highs and lows as a treacherous East Course bared its teeth with only 19 in the 156-player field getting under par. An overnight frost delayed the start of play by nearly two hours, with&nbsp;golfers and spectators bundled up in wool hats, gloves, and winter coats as action finally got underway.

By mid-morning the freezing temperatures and frost had given way to sunny skies before an evening chill arrived with 33&nbsp;golfers still on the course. World number one Jon Rahm wrestled with the gnarly rough and crater-like bunkers, the Masters champion slumping to a six-over 76 to leave him 11 shots off the pace.

Rahm, who has made the cut at each of the last 14 major championships, the longest current streak of its kind, was undone by an ugly six-hole stretch around the turn that included five bogeys. "Couldn't find the fairway and the fairways that I missed cost me bogeys," said Rahm.

The Spaniard was not alone. U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick also had a 76, as did Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner who arrived at Oak Hill riding the momentum from his Byron Nelson victory on Sunday.

But at least they avoided being waist-deep in mud like Tom Kim, who waded into a swamp in search of his ball only to get stuck. The South Korean eventually managed to crawl out before washing himself off in a nearby creek and finishing with a three-over 73.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/florida-judge-rules-in-favour-of-tiger-woods-over-nda-dispute-against-ex-girlfriend-report-593633">Florida judge rules in favour of Tiger Woods over NDA dispute against ex-girlfriend - Report</a>

'MESSY'

DeChambeau, who missed last year's PGA Championship as he was recovering from surgery on his left hand, started on the back nine and reached the turn at one under. From there he went bogey-free and added three birdies to put a LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;member top of the leaderboard.

Scheffler also began on the back nine and reached the turn at one-under before adding birdies at the par-three fifth and the par-four eighth, where his approach shot settled three feet from the cup, enroute to his first bogey-free round in a major.

"It was a grind today," said Scheffler. "The&nbsp;golf&nbsp;course is very tough. And I think these are probably the easiest conditions we are going to have all week." World number three Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut at last month's Masters, got off to a slow start and reached the turn at three-over but steadied the ship coming home and finished his day with a one-over 71.

"Messy," McIlroy said of his round. "Didn't hit the ball well at all. Thought I did really well to shoot one-over in the end ... but I am going to need to play a lot better than that if I want to feature in this tournament." Brooks Koepka, who finished joint runner-up at the Masters, opened with a 72 while Jordan Spieth, making his seventh attempt at completing the coveted career Grand Slam of&nbsp;golf's four majors, shot a 73.

Eric Cole, still chasing a first career win, charged to the top of the PGA Championship first-round leaderboard ahead of a pack of major winners on Thursday before play was halted due to darkness, bringing the curtain down on a wild day at Oak Hill.

Eric Cole, still chasing a first career win, charged to the top of the PGA Championship first-round leaderboard ahead of a pack of major winners on Thursday before play was halted due to darkness, bringing the curtain down on a wild day at Oak Hill. Starting on the back nine, the PGA Tour rookie mixed six birdies with a bogey to reach five-under par with four holes to play. Former U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau holds the overnight clubhouse lead after carding a four-under 66. Lurking a shot further back on three-under are a pair of Masters winners in world number two Scottie Scheffler and LIV Golf hope Dustin Johnson, along with Canadian Corey Conners. "It was a good day, five-under through the holes that I played was good," said Cole. "I played solid for the most part and got a couple of good breaks when I needed them, so it was a good day." From scores to temperatures, it was a day of highs and lows as a treacherous East Course bared its teeth with only 19 in the 156-player field getting under par. An overnight frost delayed the start of play by nearly two hours, with golfers and spectators bundled up in wool hats, gloves, and winter coats as action finally got underway. By mid-morning the freezing temperatures and frost had given way to sunny skies before an evening chill arrived with 33 golfers still on the course. World number one Jon Rahm wrestled with the gnarly rough and crater-like bunkers, the Masters champion slumping to a six-over 76 to leave him 11 shots off the pace. Rahm, who has made the cut at each of the last 14 major championships, the longest current streak of its kind, was undone by an ugly six-hole stretch around the turn that included five bogeys. "Couldn't find the fairway and the fairways that I missed cost me bogeys," said Rahm. The Spaniard was not alone. U.S. Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick also had a 76, as did Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner who arrived at Oak Hill riding the momentum from his Byron Nelson victory on Sunday. But at least they avoided being waist-deep in mud like Tom Kim, who waded into a swamp in search of his ball only to get stuck. The South Korean eventually managed to crawl out before washing himself off in a nearby creek and finishing with a three-over 73. Also Read: Florida judge rules in favour of Tiger Woods over NDA dispute against ex-girlfriend - Report 'MESSY' DeChambeau, who missed last year's PGA Championship as he was recovering from surgery on his left hand, started on the back nine and reached the turn at one under. From there he went bogey-free and added three birdies to put a LIV Golf member top of the leaderboard. Scheffler also began on the back nine and reached the turn at one-under before adding birdies at the par-three fifth and the par-four eighth, where his approach shot settled three feet from the cup, enroute to his first bogey-free round in a major. "It was a grind today," said Scheffler. "The golf course is very tough. And I think these are probably the easiest conditions we are going to have all week." World number three Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut at last month's Masters, got off to a slow start and reached the turn at three-over but steadied the ship coming home and finished his day with a one-over 71. "Messy," McIlroy said of his round. "Didn't hit the ball well at all. Thought I did really well to shoot one-over in the end ... but I am going to need to play a lot better than that if I want to feature in this tournament." Brooks Koepka, who finished joint runner-up at the Masters, opened with a 72 while Jordan Spieth, making his seventh attempt at completing the coveted career Grand Slam of golf's four majors, shot a 73.

Golf: Eric Cole leads PGA Championship, chased by pack of major winners

Eric Cole, who spent the night atop the PGA Championship leaderboard, was back at Oak Hill early on Friday to complete his opening round, turning over the lead to Bryson DeChambeau after a double-bogey start to his day. Leading by one stroke, the PGA Tour rookie got off to a nervous start by sending his first shot into the creek lining the par four sixth.

A missed short putt added to a wobbly start for the American, who took a six to drop into a tie for second with world number two Scottie Scheffler, former world number one Dustin Johnson and Canadian Corey Conners on three-under. Cole steadied the ship by closing out with three consecutive pars to leave LIV Golf hope DeChambeau leading by one on four-under 66.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-eric-cole-leads-pga-championship-chased-by-pack-of-major-winners-593951">Golf: Eric Cole leads PGA Championship, chased by pack of major winners</a>

(PGA Championship live streaming is available on FanCode)

While Cole had a double-bogey start, six-times major winner Phil Mickelson was closing out his first round with a double bogey on the 18th to finish at three-over 73.

With a massive 156 player field and officials scrambling to get the year's second major back on schedule, players were headed back out for their second rounds while others were closing out their first.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Eric Cole, who spent the night atop the PGA Championship leaderboard, was back at Oak Hill early on Friday to complete his opening round, turning over the lead to Bryson DeChambeau after a double-bogey start to his day.

Eric Cole, who spent the night atop the PGA Championship leaderboard, was back at Oak Hill early on Friday to complete his opening round, turning over the lead to Bryson DeChambeau after a double-bogey start to his day. Leading by one stroke, the PGA Tour rookie got off to a nervous start by sending his first shot into the creek lining the par four sixth. A missed short putt added to a wobbly start for the American, who took a six to drop into a tie for second with world number two Scottie Scheffler, former world number one Dustin Johnson and Canadian Corey Conners on three-under. Cole steadied the ship by closing out with three consecutive pars to leave LIV Golf hope DeChambeau leading by one on four-under 66. Also Read: Golf: Eric Cole leads PGA Championship, chased by pack of major winners (PGA Championship live streaming is available on FanCode) While Cole had a double-bogey start, six-times major winner Phil Mickelson was closing out his first round with a double bogey on the 18th to finish at three-over 73. With a massive 156 player field and officials scrambling to get the year's second major back on schedule, players were headed back out for their second rounds while others were closing out their first. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Golf: Eric Cole double-bogey hands Bryson DeChambeau PGA Championship lead

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year.

“Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because, at the end of the day, that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION.

There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford.

Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest situation surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute.&nbsp;

“Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that I am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like Lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder Cup legends, and they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-feel-they-have-the-power-to-comment-or-say-what-they-want-kl-rahul-hits-back-at-online-trolls-593314">People feel they have the power to comment or say what they want: KL Rahul hits back at online trolls</a>

Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually begins&nbsp;his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season.

“I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. I think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added.

The current war of politics between PGA and LIV leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday.

Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York.

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second major of the year. “Well the thing is, we prefer not to talk too much about politics because, at the end of the day, that's what this is. The world of golf has become entrenched in politics unfortunately with different organisations vying for power and essentially. Retaining power or dictating terms essentially. It’s a sad situation that we find ourselves in,” said Lahiri while he exclusively spoke to WION. There has been a conflict surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA where 16 golfers have pulled out of the PGA Championships. Paul Casey was the latest to join the casualty list with Sam Stevens taking his place instead at the 2023 PGA Championship in Oak Hill, Pittsford. Speaking on the issue Lahiri opened up on the latest situation surrounding the European tour where the situation is more dilute. “Organisations are themselves now potentially compromising professional golfers and professional golf. So, what is happening is very sad. I am really glad that I am not an active European tour member right now, I haven't been for a while because it would have put me also in a very sticky situation. But for someone like Lee, or Poulter or Henrick, these guys have been legends. They are Ryder Cup legends, and they have supported a lot of their home events. All that is suddenly forgotten. It is very very sad. It is very political and it is very unfortunate,” added Lahiri. ALSO READ | People feel they have the power to comment or say what they want: KL Rahul hits back at online trolls Speaking on his current run he reflected on how he usually begins his season and why he found it hard to get started at the start of the season. “I think I started off this season almost trying a little bit too hard. I was getting in my own way; I think that’s been something I’m guilty of over the many years that I have played professional golf. I think we all get really amped up and really excited when we start a season. I didn’t play that early in the year and I had to reset,” Lahiri added. The current war of politics between PGA and LIV leaves only 16 golfers from the Saudi-backed league that will be present at Oak Hill this week. As things stand the following golfers from the LIV golf will take guards in the event starting from Thursday. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Talor Gooch, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, Dean Burmester, Thomas Pieters, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri, Brendan Seele, Sihwan Kim. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WION EXCLUSIVE | Anirban Lahiri looks ahead to the PGA Championship

The civil war in Golf is taking another pause with LIV Golf's best teeing up alongside the best of the PGA Tour at the PGA Championship in Rochester in the state of New York. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith will lead the challenge of the LIV brigade with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory Mcilroy aiming to deny their rivals once again. Anirban Lahiri is the only Indian golfer in the fray at Oak Hill Country Club and had finished inside the Top-Five at the 2015 edition of the tournament. Lahiri spoke to Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo ahead of the second Major of the year.

WION Exclusive: Lahiri looks ahead to the PGA championship

Top-ranked Jon Rahm seeks his second consecutive major title, Rory McIlroy wants his first major victory since 2014 and Jordan Spieth just hopes to play when the PGA Championship tees off on Thursday.

A field of 156 players, 16 of them from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, chase the Wanamaker Trophy at Oak Hill, where discipline and patience will be as vital as any club.

"Discipline is going to be a huge factor this week," McIlroy said. "You've got to keep it out of those fairway bunkers.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-west-finals-2023-jokics-leads-nuggets-past-lakers-in-game-1-593137">NBA West Finals 2023: Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers in Game 1</a>

"If someone can keep their discipline and not start firing at those pins and know that middles of the greens is a pretty good leave on most holes, I think that's (key)."

Oak Hill offers tricky pin locations with thick rough and shifting tee box areas to make every challenge unique.

"Discipline is a really good way to describe what one needs this week," Rahm said. "It's challenging, but it's one of those where if you hit the shots you're supposed to hit -- put it in the fairway, go to the center of the green -- nothing crazy should be happening.

"If you can get those up-and-downs, it's not only a confidence booster, but it's something that will keep the round going."

Rahm, the 2021 US Open champion, captured his fourth title of the year and second major last month at the Masters.

Rahm is an oddsmakers' co-favorite alongside second-ranked American Scottie Scheffler, who would overtake the Spaniard with a victory.

If Rahm wins, he would be halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam and only a British Open shy of a career Slam.

"It doesn't happen often that a player wins more than one major in a year," Rahm said. "So it would be amazing to be able to join my name to that list."

Only five players in the past 70 years have won the first two majors of a season, the most recent being Spieth in 2015.

Spieth, who would complete a career Slam by winning the PGA, tested his injured left wrist during a workout Tuesday and a nine-hole practice round with Rahm.

The 29-year-old American is set to start Thursday morning alongside Norway's Viktor Hovland and Irishman Shane Lowry, but his status for the event remains uncertain.

McIlroy took a mental health break after missing the cut at last month's Masters and played only one PGA tuneup.

"I needed it at the time," McIlroy said. "Whether it works this week or not remains to be seen."

The four-time major winner said he has lowered expectations to better deal with whatever golf sends his way.

"Just trying to be in a good spot with taking what comes," he said.

And should that fifth major title never come, so be it.

"If I don't win another tournament for the rest of my career, I still see my career as a success," McIlroy said. "I still stand up here as a successful person in my eyes."

<h2>A major win for LIV?</h2>

Six LIV players with a combined 15 major titles are at Oak Hill, including reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia, six-time major winner Phil Mickelson and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka.

England's Paul Casey reduced the LIV contingent by withdrawing Tuesday, American Sam Stevens replacing him.

Saudi financing and record prize money lured some big names from the PGA Tour to LIV, prompting the tour to ban LIV players and spark a legal fight due to hit courts next May.

Until then, majors mark the only place for LIV and PGA players to compete.

Americans Mickelson and Koepka shared second at the Masters, the top major result by an active LIV player.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson won last week's LIV crown in Tulsa but another US contender could be Talor Gooch, a LIV winner last month in Australia and Singapore.

"I imagine he's going to keep playing well. He's a world-class ball striker and just a supreme talent," sixth-ranked Max Homa said.

"He beat every single person and he shot 62-62 in back-to-back rounds (in Adelaide). I'd say it's very impressive."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Top-ranked Jon Rahm seeks his second consecutive major title, Rory McIlroy wants his first major victory since 2014 and Jordan Spieth just hopes to play when the PGA Championship tees off on Thursday.

Top-ranked Jon Rahm seeks his second consecutive major title, Rory McIlroy wants his first major victory since 2014 and Jordan Spieth just hopes to play when the PGA Championship tees off on Thursday. A field of 156 players, 16 of them from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, chase the Wanamaker Trophy at Oak Hill, where discipline and patience will be as vital as any club. "Discipline is going to be a huge factor this week," McIlroy said. "You've got to keep it out of those fairway bunkers. Also Read: NBA West Finals 2023: Jokic leads Nuggets past Lakers in Game 1 "If someone can keep their discipline and not start firing at those pins and know that middles of the greens is a pretty good leave on most holes, I think that's (key)." Oak Hill offers tricky pin locations with thick rough and shifting tee box areas to make every challenge unique. "Discipline is a really good way to describe what one needs this week," Rahm said. "It's challenging, but it's one of those where if you hit the shots you're supposed to hit -- put it in the fairway, go to the center of the green -- nothing crazy should be happening. "If you can get those up-and-downs, it's not only a confidence booster, but it's something that will keep the round going." Rahm, the 2021 US Open champion, captured his fourth title of the year and second major last month at the Masters. Rahm is an oddsmakers' co-favorite alongside second-ranked American Scottie Scheffler, who would overtake the Spaniard with a victory. If Rahm wins, he would be halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam and only a British Open shy of a career Slam. "It doesn't happen often that a player wins more than one major in a year," Rahm said. "So it would be amazing to be able to join my name to that list." Only five players in the past 70 years have won the first two majors of a season, the most recent being Spieth in 2015. Spieth, who would complete a career Slam by winning the PGA, tested his injured left wrist during a workout Tuesday and a nine-hole practice round with Rahm. The 29-year-old American is set to start Thursday morning alongside Norway's Viktor Hovland and Irishman Shane Lowry, but his status for the event remains uncertain. McIlroy took a mental health break after missing the cut at last month's Masters and played only one PGA tuneup. "I needed it at the time," McIlroy said. "Whether it works this week or not remains to be seen." The four-time major winner said he has lowered expectations to better deal with whatever golf sends his way. "Just trying to be in a good spot with taking what comes," he said. And should that fifth major title never come, so be it. "If I don't win another tournament for the rest of my career, I still see my career as a success," McIlroy said. "I still stand up here as a successful person in my eyes." A major win for LIV? Six LIV players with a combined 15 major titles are at Oak Hill, including reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia, six-time major winner Phil Mickelson and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka. England's Paul Casey reduced the LIV contingent by withdrawing Tuesday, American Sam Stevens replacing him. Saudi financing and record prize money lured some big names from the PGA Tour to LIV, prompting the tour to ban LIV players and spark a legal fight due to hit courts next May. Until then, majors mark the only place for LIV and PGA players to compete. Americans Mickelson and Koepka shared second at the Masters, the top major result by an active LIV player. Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson won last week's LIV crown in Tulsa but another US contender could be Talor Gooch, a LIV winner last month in Australia and Singapore. "I imagine he's going to keep playing well. He's a world-class ball striker and just a supreme talent," sixth-ranked Max Homa said. "He beat every single person and he shot 62-62 in back-to-back rounds (in Adelaide). I'd say it's very impressive." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: John Rahm, Rory McIlroy call discipline key ahead of PGA Championship

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-barcelona-thrash-espanyol-4-2-to-win-first-title-since-2019-592452">La Liga: Barcelona thrash Espanyol 4-2 to win first title since 2019</a>

Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track.

Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events.

The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year.

Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under.

"Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said.

Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65.

Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total.

The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts.

Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill.

"I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green. South Africa's Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing. Also Read: La Liga: Barcelona thrash Espanyol 4-2 to win first title since 2019 Australia's British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track. Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch -- winner of the previous two events -- and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit's first 14 events. The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year. Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under. "Obviously after I made seven on 10 -- everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole --but to fight back and birdie 18 two times in a row, I'm really happy with that," Johnson said. Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace -- who shot 61 in the first round -- closed with a five-under 65. Grace helped South Africa's Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total. The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York. LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts. Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill. "I'm really playing well," Johnson said. "Got a lot of momentum going into next week." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Dustin Johnson wins LIV Tulsa trophy ahead of PGA Championship

Tiger Woods was not on the full field list for next week's PGA Championship, the golf major's organisers said on Wednesday (May 10), as the 15-times major champion continues to recover from an ankle surgery.

Woods, who withdrew from the Masters midway through last month's tournament due to injury, underwent fusion surgery on a bone in his ankle to address his post-traumatic arthritis from a previous talus bone fracture.

The 47-year-old has limited his participation in events following a 2021 car crash, which required his leg to be rebuilt. He has also had multiple knee and back operations.

The PGA Championship, the year's second major, takes place from May 18-21 in Rochester, New York. Woods has won the tournament four times with his last victory coming in 2007.

The next major after the PGA Championship is the U.S. Open from June 15-18.

<h2>Woods’ latest controversy</h2>

15-time major champion Tiger Woods has been accused of sexual harassment by ex-girlfriend Erica Herman. According to a court filing by Herman's attorney in Florida on Friday, Woods is accused of pursuing a sexual relationship while she worked for him and then forcing her to sign a non-disclosure agreement or she'd be fired from her job.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-every-nation-should-be-jealous-of-india-except-afghanistan-swanns-glaring-remark-before-odi-wc-591310">IPL 2023: Every nation should be jealous of India except Afghanistan - Swann's glaring remark before ODI WC</a>

"Tiger Woods, the internationally renowned athlete and one of the most powerful figures in global sports, decided to pursue a sexual relationship with his employee, then -- according to him -- forced her to sign an NDA about it or else be fired from her job," a court document said.

"And, when he became disgruntled with their sexual relationship, he tricked her into leaving her home, locked her out, took her cash, pets, and personal possessions, and tried to strong-arm her into signing a different NDA,” the court filing read.

It is reported that Herman worked at Woods’ South Florida restaurant, The Woods Jupiter when she was harassed.

Recently Woods, in a shocking move, parted ways with his long-time caddie Joe LaCava. The two were together for 12 years which saw Woods lift 12 trophies. The decision comes after Tiger, who had announced that he has had another surgery on his right leg, left the Masters without competing for all 72-holes due to wild weather, sending a shock to every golf fan on the planet.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Tiger Woods was not on the full field list for next week's PGA Championship, the golf major's organisers said on Wednesday (May 10), as the 15-times major champion continues to recover from an ankle surgery.

Tiger Woods was not on the full field list for next week's PGA Championship, the golf major's organisers said on Wednesday (May 10), as the 15-times major champion continues to recover from an ankle surgery. Woods, who withdrew from the Masters midway through last month's tournament due to injury, underwent fusion surgery on a bone in his ankle to address his post-traumatic arthritis from a previous talus bone fracture. The 47-year-old has limited his participation in events following a 2021 car crash, which required his leg to be rebuilt. He has also had multiple knee and back operations. The PGA Championship, the year's second major, takes place from May 18-21 in Rochester, New York. Woods has won the tournament four times with his last victory coming in 2007. The next major after the PGA Championship is the U.S. Open from June 15-18. Woods’ latest controversy 15-time major champion Tiger Woods has been accused of sexual harassment by ex-girlfriend Erica Herman. According to a court filing by Herman's attorney in Florida on Friday, Woods is accused of pursuing a sexual relationship while she worked for him and then forcing her to sign a non-disclosure agreement or she'd be fired from her job. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: Every nation should be jealous of India except Afghanistan - Swann's glaring remark before ODI WC "Tiger Woods, the internationally renowned athlete and one of the most powerful figures in global sports, decided to pursue a sexual relationship with his employee, then -- according to him -- forced her to sign an NDA about it or else be fired from her job," a court document said. "And, when he became disgruntled with their sexual relationship, he tricked her into leaving her home, locked her out, took her cash, pets, and personal possessions, and tried to strong-arm her into signing a different NDA,” the court filing read. It is reported that Herman worked at Woods’ South Florida restaurant, The Woods Jupiter when she was harassed. Recently Woods, in a shocking move, parted ways with his long-time caddie Joe LaCava. The two were together for 12 years which saw Woods lift 12 trophies. The decision comes after Tiger, who had announced that he has had another surgery on his right leg, left the Masters without competing for all 72-holes due to wild weather, sending a shock to every golf fan on the planet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tiger Woods not included in field list for PGA Championship, set to continue recovery from ankle injury

Canada's Mackenzie Hughes sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to defeat Austria's Sepp Straka and win the PGA Sanderson Farms Championship. The 31-year-old from Hamilton captured his second career PGA crown after he and Straka both finished 72 holes on 17-under par 271 at The Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi.

"Words can't describe it," Hughes said. "I've been working so hard, putting in some hours. It just feels so good. "It's the coolest feeling in the world. Winning happens so infrequently that when we do get to win it's super special."

World number 82 Hughes won his only prior PGA title at the 2016 RSM Classic, winning a five-man playoff that week with a par on the third extra hole. "Definitely it feels a little sweeter than the first one," Hughes said. "I was just fighting like hell to stay in it. Somehow I was able to pull through."

Ending a six-year title drought was a thrill. "This is the stuff that makes you feel alive," Hughes said. "It's a feeling you crave and a feeling you want more of -- it will keep me working hard." Hughes made two great par saves at 18 to give himself the chance at the winning putt there. At 18 in regulation, Hughes was way left off the tee an over the green, but putted from 35 yards to within four feet of the hole and made the par putt to force the playoff.

Straka fired a five-under 67 in regulation while Hughes shot 69. The playoff began at 18 and Straka had a 20-foot birdie putt while Hughes was in a bunker. Hughes blasted out to five feet, Straka missed his putt and both tapped in to extend matters. "Those par saves down the stretch, I was just trying to will the ball in the hole," Hughes said. "That kind of describes my game a bit, that grit and that perseverance. The second one felt harder than the first one that's for sure."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-masters-champion-adam-scott-doesnt-view-liv-series-as-pure-evil-for-golf-521600">Former Masters champion Adam Scott doesn't view LIV Series as 'pure evil' for golf</a>

Again they played 18, this time Hughes and Straka each having birdie putts. Straka missed from the fringe leaving Hughes an eight-footer for the victory. Hughes rolled in the putt and pumped his right first in celebration.

"Probably a little bit of relief. It has been a while," Hughes said of his emotions at that moment. "I've had some close calls. Finishing second, while it's still great, kind of stings when you are that close.&nbsp; "I just wasn't going to accept that today."

Straka, ranked 36th, won his first PGA title in February at the Honda Classic and nearly grabbed his second in August before losing a playoff to Will Zalatoris at the St. Jude Championship. "Hit good putts. Gave myself good chances. Unfortunately I couldn't convert," Straka said. "I played great golf on a tough Sunday. It's good to know my game is in a good spot."

South African Garrick Higgo was third on 272 after a closing 68, finishing one stroke ahead of countryman Dean Burmester. American Mark Hubbard, the 54-hole leader seeking his first PGA title, fired a 74 to share fifth on 275 with compatriots Nick Hardy and Keegan Bradley and Argentina's Emiliano Grillo.

Canada's Mackenzie Hughes sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to defeat Austria's Sepp Straka and win the PGA Sanderson Farms Championship.

Canada's Mackenzie Hughes sank an eight-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to defeat Austria's Sepp Straka and win the PGA Sanderson Farms Championship. The 31-year-old from Hamilton captured his second career PGA crown after he and Straka both finished 72 holes on 17-under par 271 at The Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi. "Words can't describe it," Hughes said. "I've been working so hard, putting in some hours. It just feels so good. "It's the coolest feeling in the world. Winning happens so infrequently that when we do get to win it's super special." World number 82 Hughes won his only prior PGA title at the 2016 RSM Classic, winning a five-man playoff that week with a par on the third extra hole. "Definitely it feels a little sweeter than the first one," Hughes said. "I was just fighting like hell to stay in it. Somehow I was able to pull through." Ending a six-year title drought was a thrill. "This is the stuff that makes you feel alive," Hughes said. "It's a feeling you crave and a feeling you want more of -- it will keep me working hard." Hughes made two great par saves at 18 to give himself the chance at the winning putt there. At 18 in regulation, Hughes was way left off the tee an over the green, but putted from 35 yards to within four feet of the hole and made the par putt to force the playoff. Straka fired a five-under 67 in regulation while Hughes shot 69. The playoff began at 18 and Straka had a 20-foot birdie putt while Hughes was in a bunker. Hughes blasted out to five feet, Straka missed his putt and both tapped in to extend matters. "Those par saves down the stretch, I was just trying to will the ball in the hole," Hughes said. "That kind of describes my game a bit, that grit and that perseverance. The second one felt harder than the first one that's for sure." ALSO READ | Former Masters champion Adam Scott doesn't view LIV Series as 'pure evil' for golf Again they played 18, this time Hughes and Straka each having birdie putts. Straka missed from the fringe leaving Hughes an eight-footer for the victory. Hughes rolled in the putt and pumped his right first in celebration. "Probably a little bit of relief. It has been a while," Hughes said of his emotions at that moment. "I've had some close calls. Finishing second, while it's still great, kind of stings when you are that close. "I just wasn't going to accept that today." Straka, ranked 36th, won his first PGA title in February at the Honda Classic and nearly grabbed his second in August before losing a playoff to Will Zalatoris at the St. Jude Championship. "Hit good putts. Gave myself good chances. Unfortunately I couldn't convert," Straka said. "I played great golf on a tough Sunday. It's good to know my game is in a good spot." South African Garrick Higgo was third on 272 after a closing 68, finishing one stroke ahead of countryman Dean Burmester. American Mark Hubbard, the 54-hole leader seeking his first PGA title, fired a 74 to share fifth on 275 with compatriots Nick Hardy and Keegan Bradley and Argentina's Emiliano Grillo.

Mackenzie Hughes beats Sepp Straka in playoff to clinch PGA Sanderson Farms title

Chun In-gee captured her third major title on Sunday, winning the Women's PGA Championship to claim her first major since 2016 and snap a victory drought of almost four years. The 27-year-old South Korean fired a three-over-par 75 in windy conditions at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, to finish 72 holes on five-under 283.

That was good enough for a one-stroke triumph over American Lexi Thompson and Australian Minjee Lee to take the $1.35 million top prize from a record $9 million purse.

"It just means a lot because I didn't have any wins for almost 3 1/2 years," Chun said, her voice cracking with emotion. "My loyal fans in Korea, they never gave up on me no matter how I did."

Chun, ranked 33rd, had not won since October 2018 at the Hana Bank Championship in South Korea, a 76-event worldwide winless streak.

But after squandering what had been a three-stroke lead when the day began, Chun added a third career major trophy after the 2015 US Women's Open and 2016 Evian Championship.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/incusiveness-or-unfair-advantage-debate-over-trans-athletes-in-sports-intensifies-492057">&nbsp;Inclusiveness or unfair advantage? Debate over trans athletes in sports intensifies</a>

Chun dominated the first two rounds and led by as many as seven strokes before struggling to 75s in each of the final two rounds while sixth-ranked Thompson charged.

Thompson, however, could not end an eight-year major win drought since her 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship trophy at age 19 or a three-year overall victory drought.

The American settled for her 11th top-five major finish since capturing her first major victory and her fourth major runner-up effort.

Thompson, tied for the lead with Chun at the par-4 17th, made a three-putt bogey to give the Asian star a one-stroke lead as they reached the 72nd hole of the week.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/european-tour-fines-and-bans-saudi-backed-liv-series-golfers-from-upcoming-events-including-scottish-open-491369">European tour fines and bans Saudi-backed LIV series golfers from upcoming events, including Scottish Open</a>

At the par-4 18th, Chun went into back greenside rough with her approach while Thompson had a long birdie putt. Chun rolled her putt over a ridge and five feet past the cup while Thompson two-putted for par, leaving Chun one last putt for the title.

Chun calmly rolled in the tension-packed putt and pumped her right fist as the ball fell into the cup and gave her a third career major title.

Chun In-gee captured her third major title on Sunday, winning the Women's PGA Championship to claim her first major since 2016 and snap a victory drought of almost four years.

Chun In-gee captured her third major title on Sunday, winning the Women's PGA Championship to claim her first major since 2016 and snap a victory drought of almost four years. The 27-year-old South Korean fired a three-over-par 75 in windy conditions at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, to finish 72 holes on five-under 283. That was good enough for a one-stroke triumph over American Lexi Thompson and Australian Minjee Lee to take the $1.35 million top prize from a record $9 million purse. "It just means a lot because I didn't have any wins for almost 3 1/2 years," Chun said, her voice cracking with emotion. "My loyal fans in Korea, they never gave up on me no matter how I did." Chun, ranked 33rd, had not won since October 2018 at the Hana Bank Championship in South Korea, a 76-event worldwide winless streak. But after squandering what had been a three-stroke lead when the day began, Chun added a third career major trophy after the 2015 US Women's Open and 2016 Evian Championship. Also Read: Inclusiveness or unfair advantage? Debate over trans athletes in sports intensifies Chun dominated the first two rounds and led by as many as seven strokes before struggling to 75s in each of the final two rounds while sixth-ranked Thompson charged. Thompson, however, could not end an eight-year major win drought since her 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship trophy at age 19 or a three-year overall victory drought. The American settled for her 11th top-five major finish since capturing her first major victory and her fourth major runner-up effort. Thompson, tied for the lead with Chun at the par-4 17th, made a three-putt bogey to give the Asian star a one-stroke lead as they reached the 72nd hole of the week. Also Read: European tour fines and bans Saudi-backed LIV series golfers from upcoming events, including Scottish Open At the par-4 18th, Chun went into back greenside rough with her approach while Thompson had a long birdie putt. Chun rolled her putt over a ridge and five feet past the cup while Thompson two-putted for par, leaving Chun one last putt for the title. Chun calmly rolled in the tension-packed putt and pumped her right fist as the ball fell into the cup and gave her a third career major title.

South Korea's Chun In-gee wins Women's PGA Championship

Justin Thomas capped a breathtaking comeback by beating Will Zalatoris in a three-hole playoff to win the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Championship on Sunday after Chile's Mito Pereira blew a one-shot lead on the final hole.

The playoff ended a day of pulsating drama at Southern Hills Country Club that saw Thomas stage one of the greatest fightbacks in majors history and Pereira suffer one of the most calamitous collapses.

Seven back at the start of the final round, Thomas seized his chance in the playoff to clinch the Wanamaker trophy with a tap-in par on the 18th to beat Zalatoris by one.

It was a second major victory for Thomas, who also won the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Championship in 2017.

"I had a good feeling," said Thomas. "Although I was so far back there wasn't that many guys ahead of me, and it's a very tough golf course and anything could happen."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The winning moment for <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinThomas34?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinThomas34</a> 💪 <a href="https://t.co/T8Opo2y4xh">pic.twitter.com/T8Opo2y4xh</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1528566911910526977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Proud pops 😁 <a href="https://t.co/IBtjKqPre1">pic.twitter.com/IBtjKqPre1</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1528561670506831872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Thomas's rally from seven shots back was the largest final-round comeback at the&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Championship and it certainly impressed his good friend Tiger Woods, who also knows something about comebacks.

The 15-time major winner, who withdrew from the tournament on Saturday after carding a nine-over 79 , offered "Big congrats" to Thomas on social media.

"He kept himself in this championship until the very end and once he got his shot he didn’t look back," said Woods, who was playing his second event after a car crash 15 months ago nearly cost him his right leg.

Thomas, seemingly out of contention at the start of the final round, fell further behind with a bogey at the third to sit eight behind the leader.

But the world number nine would drop only one shot the rest of the way while ringing up five birdies for a three under-67.

Zalatoris, with a birdie at 18, joined Thomas at five-under 275 and with their work done retreated to watch Pereira, the leader by one, play the final hole.

MAJOR PRESSURE

Pereira had withstood brutal heat, punishing winds, rain and cold but on Sunday the pressure of a major was his undoing.

Playing in just his second major the 27-year-old Chilean, who had displayed nerves of steel the entire week, finally cracked at the 18th, sending his tee shot skidding into the creek guarding the green.

The rattled Chilean would take a double-bogey, leaving Thomas and Zalatoris to fight for the trophy.

"Today I was really nervous," admitted Pereira. "I tried to handle it a little bit but it's really tough.

"I thought I was going to win on 18, but it is what it is. We'll have another one."

Starting the last round with a three-shot advantage over Zalatoris and Britain's Matt Fitzpatrick, Pereira controlled his nerves for much of the day.

Zalatoris, on the front nine, and Cameron Young, on the back, joined Pereira at the top of the leaderboard but each time the Chilean pushed back quickly to retake the lead.

But he had no response after his tee shot on 18, finishing with a five-over 75 and tied for third with Young.

Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Chris Kirk were a shot further back on three-under 277.

"You want to win a golf tournament," said Thomas. "You don't want someone to lose it.

"I have had times in my career when I feel like I've let a tournament get away. And I mean, it's brutal. It's not fun.

"I know that down the road, whether it's this year or years to come, if he's standing on 18 with a one-shot lead in a major, he's going to feel more comfortable because he's going to drawback on this experience."

Justin Thomas capped a breathtaking comeback by beating Will Zalatoris in a three-hole playoff to win the PGA Championship on Sunday after Chile's Mito Pereira blew a one-shot lead on the final hole.

Justin Thomas capped a breathtaking comeback by beating Will Zalatoris in a three-hole playoff to win the PGA Championship on Sunday after Chile's Mito Pereira blew a one-shot lead on the final hole. The playoff ended a day of pulsating drama at Southern Hills Country Club that saw Thomas stage one of the greatest fightbacks in majors history and Pereira suffer one of the most calamitous collapses. Seven back at the start of the final round, Thomas seized his chance in the playoff to clinch the Wanamaker trophy with a tap-in par on the 18th to beat Zalatoris by one. It was a second major victory for Thomas, who also won the PGA Championship in 2017. "I had a good feeling," said Thomas. "Although I was so far back there wasn't that many guys ahead of me, and it's a very tough golf course and anything could happen." The winning moment for @JustinThomas34 💪 pic.twitter.com/T8Opo2y4xh — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 23, 2022 × Proud pops 😁 pic.twitter.com/IBtjKqPre1 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 23, 2022 × Thomas's rally from seven shots back was the largest final-round comeback at the PGA Championship and it certainly impressed his good friend Tiger Woods, who also knows something about comebacks. The 15-time major winner, who withdrew from the tournament on Saturday after carding a nine-over 79 , offered "Big congrats" to Thomas on social media. "He kept himself in this championship until the very end and once he got his shot he didn’t look back," said Woods, who was playing his second event after a car crash 15 months ago nearly cost him his right leg. Thomas, seemingly out of contention at the start of the final round, fell further behind with a bogey at the third to sit eight behind the leader. But the world number nine would drop only one shot the rest of the way while ringing up five birdies for a three under-67. Zalatoris, with a birdie at 18, joined Thomas at five-under 275 and with their work done retreated to watch Pereira, the leader by one, play the final hole. MAJOR PRESSURE Pereira had withstood brutal heat, punishing winds, rain and cold but on Sunday the pressure of a major was his undoing. Playing in just his second major the 27-year-old Chilean, who had displayed nerves of steel the entire week, finally cracked at the 18th, sending his tee shot skidding into the creek guarding the green. The rattled Chilean would take a double-bogey, leaving Thomas and Zalatoris to fight for the trophy. "Today I was really nervous," admitted Pereira. "I tried to handle it a little bit but it's really tough. "I thought I was going to win on 18, but it is what it is. We'll have another one." Starting the last round with a three-shot advantage over Zalatoris and Britain's Matt Fitzpatrick, Pereira controlled his nerves for much of the day. Zalatoris, on the front nine, and Cameron Young, on the back, joined Pereira at the top of the leaderboard but each time the Chilean pushed back quickly to retake the lead. But he had no response after his tee shot on 18, finishing with a five-over 75 and tied for third with Young. Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Chris Kirk were a shot further back on three-under 277. "You want to win a golf tournament," said Thomas. "You don't want someone to lose it. "I have had times in my career when I feel like I've let a tournament get away. And I mean, it's brutal. It's not fun. "I know that down the road, whether it's this year or years to come, if he's standing on 18 with a one-shot lead in a major, he's going to feel more comfortable because he's going to drawback on this experience."

Justin Thomas stages major fightback to win PGA Championship in playoff

Tiger Woods withdrew from the PGA Championship on Saturday, after carding one of his worst rounds ever at a major tournament: a nine-over 79.

Woods, in his second start after a car crash 15 months ago nearly cost him his right leg, appeared dejected and in pain as he trudged off the 18th green at Southern Hill Country Club.

Asked if he would be back for Sunday's fourth round, Woods was non-committal. He officially announced his withdrawal about five hours after his finish.

“Tiger Woods has informed us that he is withdrawing from the 2022 PGA Championship," PGA of America President Jim Richerson said in a statement. "We admire Tiger’s valiant effort to compete here at Southern Hills and wish him the best as he continues to recover from his injuries.”

The last time Woods withdrew from a tournament was in 2019 prior to the second round of the Northern Trust.

It is the first time he has withdrawn from a major since the U.S. Open in 1995.

After narrowly making the cut at Southern Hills, a defiant Woods predicted he still had a chance to win the PGA Championship. Any remaining belief disappeared in his nightmare nine-over 79, his highest ever score at the PGA Championship and third-worst round ever at a major.

Just making the cut at Southern Hills was something to celebrate but for Woods and his thousands of fans there was precious little to cheer -- although they did every shot.

Sitting 12 off the pace at the start of play, the task facing Woods already looked impossible but the 46-year-old American has made a career of defying the odds, including his latest comeback from the accident.

He was in the ninth pair out on a cold, rainy day. The bogeys quickly piled up for him, and he hobbled away a massive 21 shots back of leader Will Zalatoris, who had yet to tee off.

The bravado Woods displayed on Friday had completely vanished as the 15-time major winner headed for treatment.

"I'm sore," Woods told a reporter. "I know that is for a fact. We'll do some work and see how it goes."

Before withdrawing Woods was anchored to the bottom of the leaderboard at 12-over 222.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Tiger Woods withdrew from the PGA Championship on Saturday, after carding one of his worst rounds ever at a major tournament: a nine-over 79. Woods, in his second start after a car crash 15 months ago nearly cost him his right leg, appeared dejected and in pain as he trudged off the 18th green at Southern Hill Country Club.

Tiger Woods withdrew from the PGA Championship on Saturday, after carding one of his worst rounds ever at a major tournament: a nine-over 79. Woods, in his second start after a car crash 15 months ago nearly cost him his right leg, appeared dejected and in pain as he trudged off the 18th green at Southern Hill Country Club. Asked if he would be back for Sunday's fourth round, Woods was non-committal. He officially announced his withdrawal about five hours after his finish. “Tiger Woods has informed us that he is withdrawing from the 2022 PGA Championship," PGA of America President Jim Richerson said in a statement. "We admire Tiger’s valiant effort to compete here at Southern Hills and wish him the best as he continues to recover from his injuries.” The last time Woods withdrew from a tournament was in 2019 prior to the second round of the Northern Trust. It is the first time he has withdrawn from a major since the U.S. Open in 1995. After narrowly making the cut at Southern Hills, a defiant Woods predicted he still had a chance to win the PGA Championship. Any remaining belief disappeared in his nightmare nine-over 79, his highest ever score at the PGA Championship and third-worst round ever at a major. Just making the cut at Southern Hills was something to celebrate but for Woods and his thousands of fans there was precious little to cheer -- although they did every shot. Sitting 12 off the pace at the start of play, the task facing Woods already looked impossible but the 46-year-old American has made a career of defying the odds, including his latest comeback from the accident. He was in the ninth pair out on a cold, rainy day. The bogeys quickly piled up for him, and he hobbled away a massive 21 shots back of leader Will Zalatoris, who had yet to tee off. The bravado Woods displayed on Friday had completely vanished as the 15-time major winner headed for treatment. "I'm sore," Woods told a reporter. "I know that is for a fact. We'll do some work and see how it goes." Before withdrawing Woods was anchored to the bottom of the leaderboard at 12-over 222. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PGA Championship: Tiger Woods withdraws after third round

Englishman Lee Westwood was crowned Europe`s number one golfer for the third time in his career with a second-placed finish on Sunday behind compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick, who won the European Tour`s season-ending DP World Tour Championship. 
 
Westwood won the Harry Vardon Trophy again 20 years after he first lifted it, with a steady final-round 68 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai to go 14-under for the tournament and finish one stroke behind Fitzpatrick, who took home $3 million for his victory. 
 
Westwood won $2 million for finishing at the top of the Race to Dubai leaderboard, while overnight co-leader Patrick Reed lost the chance to become the first American to claim the honour as he ended tied in third place with Viktor Hovland at 13-under. 
 
"It`s been a bizarre season... The European Tour have done an incredible job to pick the season up again from July and have tournaments on every week," Westwood, who made five birdies and had one bogey, said. 
 
"The culmination of it all here, it was a great finish, sat there watching it. Thrills and spills, the Race to Dubai up for grabs and the tournament up for grabs. 
 
"It`s been 20 years since I sat there at Valderrama, to win the Order of Merit as it was then. It`s not getting any easier, I`m not getting any younger." 
 
Westwood said he would love to play in the Ryder Cup again, with the event pushed to next year due to the COVID-19 crisis. 
 
"At some point I`m hoping the captaincy is going to be offered," Westwood added. "I`ve played 10 Ryder Cups, at certain times you have to move into different chapters of your life. If I did qualify, I would give it my all and be ready for it." 
 
Fitzpatrick, who had a share of the lead before the final round, began with birdies on the opening four holes and added a further gain before the turn and finished steadily to seal his first Rolex Series win.

Englishman Lee Westwood was crowned Europe`s number one golfer for the third time in his career with a second-placed finish on Sunday behind compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick, who won the European Tour`s season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

Englishman Lee Westwood was crowned Europe`s number one golfer for the third time in his career with a second-placed finish on Sunday behind compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick, who won the European Tour`s season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Westwood won the Harry Vardon Trophy again 20 years after he first lifted it, with a steady final-round 68 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai to go 14-under for the tournament and finish one stroke behind Fitzpatrick, who took home $3 million for his victory. Westwood won $2 million for finishing at the top of the Race to Dubai leaderboard, while overnight co-leader Patrick Reed lost the chance to become the first American to claim the honour as he ended tied in third place with Viktor Hovland at 13-under. "It`s been a bizarre season... The European Tour have done an incredible job to pick the season up again from July and have tournaments on every week," Westwood, who made five birdies and had one bogey, said. "The culmination of it all here, it was a great finish, sat there watching it. Thrills and spills, the Race to Dubai up for grabs and the tournament up for grabs. "It`s been 20 years since I sat there at Valderrama, to win the Order of Merit as it was then. It`s not getting any easier, I`m not getting any younger." Westwood said he would love to play in the Ryder Cup again, with the event pushed to next year due to the COVID-19 crisis. "At some point I`m hoping the captaincy is going to be offered," Westwood added. "I`ve played 10 Ryder Cups, at certain times you have to move into different chapters of your life. If I did qualify, I would give it my all and be ready for it." Fitzpatrick, who had a share of the lead before the final round, began with birdies on the opening four holes and added a further gain before the turn and finished steadily to seal his first Rolex Series win.

Westwood crowned European number one, Fitzpatrick wins in Dubai

Tiger Woods said the absence of an adoring and raucous crowd at the PGA Championship on Thursday was part of the “new normal” for the sport, which is holding its first major without any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Woods, who is playing for just the second time since the PGA Tour returned to action in mid-June, shot an opening round 2-under 68 at an eerily quiet TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.

“Well, that’s our new normal,” he told reporters.

“It’s just the way it is and it’s going to be for a while ... the energy is different.”

On the plus side, he said not being followed around by noisy fans made it easier to focus.

That showed in his putting, which included a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-four 13th that drew applause and some hoots from a group of grounds crew.

“It’s just different. That’s probably the only way to say it,” he said.

“This is what we’re going to have to get used to in the near future and for probably for a while.”

Every player and caddie underwent coronavirus testing prior to the tournament and media are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance at the event, which was originally scheduled to be held in May.

Woods is looking to win his 16th major, fifth PGA Championship and record-breaking 83rd PGA Tour victory at the lake side course on the west side of San Francisco.

Woods, who went out in the morning wave alongside world number one Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, did not appear bothered by the coastal fog and cooler conditions as he mixed five birdies and three bogeys.

He is using a new, longer putter at the event, which he said helps take pressure off his surgically-repaired back, allowing him to practice for longer.

“Most of the guys on the Champions Tour have gone to longer putters as they have gotten older, because it’s easier to bend over, or not bend over,” the 44-year-old said with a smile.

“And so this putter is just a little bit longer and I’ve been able to spend a little bit more time putting.”

Tiger Woods said the absence of an adoring and raucous crowd at the PGA Championship on Thursday was part of the “new normal” for the sport, which is holding its first major without any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tiger Woods said the absence of an adoring and raucous crowd at the PGA Championship on Thursday was part of the “new normal” for the sport, which is holding its first major without any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Woods, who is playing for just the second time since the PGA Tour returned to action in mid-June, shot an opening round 2-under 68 at an eerily quiet TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. “Well, that’s our new normal,” he told reporters. “It’s just the way it is and it’s going to be for a while ... the energy is different.” On the plus side, he said not being followed around by noisy fans made it easier to focus. That showed in his putting, which included a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-four 13th that drew applause and some hoots from a group of grounds crew. “It’s just different. That’s probably the only way to say it,” he said. “This is what we’re going to have to get used to in the near future and for probably for a while.” Every player and caddie underwent coronavirus testing prior to the tournament and media are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distance at the event, which was originally scheduled to be held in May. Woods is looking to win his 16th major, fifth PGA Championship and record-breaking 83rd PGA Tour victory at the lake side course on the west side of San Francisco. Woods, who went out in the morning wave alongside world number one Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, did not appear bothered by the coastal fog and cooler conditions as he mixed five birdies and three bogeys. He is using a new, longer putter at the event, which he said helps take pressure off his surgically-repaired back, allowing him to practice for longer. “Most of the guys on the Champions Tour have gone to longer putters as they have gotten older, because it’s easier to bend over, or not bend over,” the 44-year-old said with a smile. “And so this putter is just a little bit longer and I’ve been able to spend a little bit more time putting.”

Tiger Woods adjusting to a new normal at spectator-free PGA Championship

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.

Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park.

A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible.

The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world.

Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled.

"The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said.

"If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not.

"Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports."

California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year.

Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue.

"It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility.

"We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."&nbsp;

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco. Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park. A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible. The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world. Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled. "The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said. "If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not. "Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports." California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year. Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue. "It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility. "We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."

Officials 'fully prepared' for PGA Championship without fans

Canadian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-tiger-woods-to-sit-out-saturday-fourballs-at-presidents-cup-268043">Adam&nbsp;Hadwin</a>&nbsp;and South African <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-hatton-wins-six-man-playoff-under-floodlights-to-lift-turkish-open-title-261284">Erik&nbsp;van&nbsp;Rooyen</a>&nbsp;have snuck into the field for next year's&nbsp;Masters&nbsp;after&nbsp;finishing the year barely inside the top 50 in the world rankings.

With no more official tournaments left on the global 2019 schedule&nbsp;after&nbsp;the Australian PGA Championship and Thailand&nbsp;Masters&nbsp;were completed on Sunday,&nbsp;Hadwin&nbsp;and&nbsp;Van&nbsp;Rooyen&nbsp;finished the year ranked 49th and 50th in the world.

They were among 12 previously non-exempt players who ended 2019 inside the top 50 and can now start planning a trip to Augusta for the year's first major from April 9-12.

Hadwin&nbsp;has played in the&nbsp;Masters&nbsp;twice, making the cut in both 2017 and 2018, while&nbsp;Van&nbsp;Rooyen, who tied for eighth at last year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-hatton-wins-six-man-playoff-under-floodlights-to-lift-turkish-open-title-261284">PGA Championship</a>, will make his debut.

Neither played last week.

Fortieth-ranked Jazz Janewattananond will also debut, though he had already mathematically assured himself of a spot before winning his home Thailand&nbsp;Masters.

American Keegan Bradley finished the year an unlucky 51st, though he could still play his way in, with several other avenues still open to qualification in the new year.

The 2020&nbsp;Masters&nbsp;field will likely be much larger than this year's 87 players.

Canadian Adam Hadwin and South African Erik van Rooyen have snuck into the field for next year's Masters after finishing the year barely inside the top 50 in the world rankings.

Canadian Adam Hadwin and South African Erik van Rooyen have snuck into the field for next year's Masters after finishing the year barely inside the top 50 in the world rankings. With no more official tournaments left on the global 2019 schedule after the Australian PGA Championship and Thailand Masters were completed on Sunday, Hadwin and Van Rooyen finished the year ranked 49th and 50th in the world. They were among 12 previously non-exempt players who ended 2019 inside the top 50 and can now start planning a trip to Augusta for the year's first major from April 9-12. Hadwin has played in the Masters twice, making the cut in both 2017 and 2018, while Van Rooyen, who tied for eighth at last year's PGA Championship, will make his debut. Neither played last week. Fortieth-ranked Jazz Janewattananond will also debut, though he had already mathematically assured himself of a spot before winning his home Thailand Masters. American Keegan Bradley finished the year an unlucky 51st, though he could still play his way in, with several other avenues still open to qualification in the new year. The 2020 Masters field will likely be much larger than this year's 87 players.

Golf: Hadwin, Van Rooyen seeing green after sneaking into Masters

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship.

The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament.

"Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said.

However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form.

"There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added.&nbsp;

"I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again."

Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California.

The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said. Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship. The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament. "Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said. However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form. "There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added. "I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again." Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California. The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club. He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods to play Memorial ahead of US Open

Brooks Koepka returned to the top of the world rankings on Monday after his nerve-jangling second straight US PGA Championship victory at Bethpage Black

The Brooks Koepka era underway in Golf

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog.

The American, who had held a seven-stroke lead at the start of the final round, almost lost control of the title when he made four successive bogeys from the 11th hole before staving off Dustin Johnson for a two-stroke victory at Bethpage Black.

Koepka shot a four-over-par 74 to finish at eight-under 272 and captured his fourth major title in his last eight starts in grand slam events.

Johnson (69) was second on six-under, with Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay and Britain's Matt Wallace four strokes further back tied for third.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Final leaderboard from the PGA Championship: 
 
-8 <a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a> 🏆 
-7 
-6 <a href="https://twitter.com/DJohnsonPGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJohnsonPGA</a> 
-5 
-4 
-3 
-2 <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanSpieth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JordanSpieth</a>, Patrick Cantlay, <a href="https://twitter.com/mattsjwallace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattSJWallace</a> 
-1 Luke List 
E Sung Kang 
 
Full scores: <a href="https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf">https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf</a> <a href="https://t.co/qW44Xk8LFU">pic.twitter.com/qW44Xk8LFU</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1130260508974768128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

What had seemed for much of the tournament to be a coronation almost became a calamity on Sunday, to the delight of most of the raucous New York gallery, who were openly cheering against Koepka as he walked off the 14th green with a tenuous one-stroke lead.

He has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire career, and hearing chants in his face of "D.J., D.J." only served to fire him up as he walked down the steep hill and across Round Swamp Road to the 15th tee at Bethpage Black.

Johnson was playing the adjacent 16th hole when the chants went up after Koepka's mini-collapse.

"I wasn't nervous. I was just in shock at what was going on," Koepka said. "When they started chanting D.J. on 14, it actually kind of helped.

"That was probably the best thing that could have happened ... helped me refocus and hit a good one down 15."

Koepka's playing companion Harold Varner III, however, was annoyed by the crowd reaction.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Never a doubt. 😅🏆 <a href="https://t.co/BHQixzN4eD">pic.twitter.com/BHQixzN4eD</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1130253181974450178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I thought it was pretty weird how they were telling Brooks to choke," Varner said.

"That's not my cup of tea. I was pulling for him after that. I have a few choice words for that. Just cheering for him to do bad, I just don't get that."

Johnson, however, subsequently bogeyed the 16th after misjudging his approach shot in the strong and gusty winds and the lead was back up to two strokes.

In becoming the first champion to lead wire-to-wire since Hal Sutton in 1983, Koepka successfully defended his title and also displaced Johnson as world number one.

Koepka, who also won back-to-back US&nbsp;Open titles in 2017-18, admitted his run of bogeys had put him under pressure.

"Tell you what, the hour spent from number 11 to 14 was interesting," Koepka said. "I just got stuck in a bogey train. I just made mistakes at the wrong time.

"You've got to hit good drives and I put it in the rough. I challenge anyone to play this course in 15-to 20 miles-per-hour winds and see what they shoot."

"Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was, how stressful DJ&nbsp;made it.

"I know for a fact, that was the most excited I've ever been in my life ... on 18."

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog.

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog. The American, who had held a seven-stroke lead at the start of the final round, almost lost control of the title when he made four successive bogeys from the 11th hole before staving off Dustin Johnson for a two-stroke victory at Bethpage Black. Koepka shot a four-over-par 74 to finish at eight-under 272 and captured his fourth major title in his last eight starts in grand slam events. Johnson (69) was second on six-under, with Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay and Britain's Matt Wallace four strokes further back tied for third. Final leaderboard from the PGA Championship: -8 @BKoepka 🏆 -7 -6 @DJohnsonPGA -5 -4 -3 -2 @JordanSpieth, Patrick Cantlay, @MattSJWallace -1 Luke List E Sung Kang Full scores: https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf pic.twitter.com/qW44Xk8LFU — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 19, 2019 × What had seemed for much of the tournament to be a coronation almost became a calamity on Sunday, to the delight of most of the raucous New York gallery, who were openly cheering against Koepka as he walked off the 14th green with a tenuous one-stroke lead. He has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire career, and hearing chants in his face of "D.J., D.J." only served to fire him up as he walked down the steep hill and across Round Swamp Road to the 15th tee at Bethpage Black. Johnson was playing the adjacent 16th hole when the chants went up after Koepka's mini-collapse. "I wasn't nervous. I was just in shock at what was going on," Koepka said. "When they started chanting D.J. on 14, it actually kind of helped. "That was probably the best thing that could have happened ... helped me refocus and hit a good one down 15." Koepka's playing companion Harold Varner III, however, was annoyed by the crowd reaction. Never a doubt. 😅🏆 pic.twitter.com/BHQixzN4eD — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 19, 2019 × "I thought it was pretty weird how they were telling Brooks to choke," Varner said. "That's not my cup of tea. I was pulling for him after that. I have a few choice words for that. Just cheering for him to do bad, I just don't get that." Johnson, however, subsequently bogeyed the 16th after misjudging his approach shot in the strong and gusty winds and the lead was back up to two strokes. In becoming the first champion to lead wire-to-wire since Hal Sutton in 1983, Koepka successfully defended his title and also displaced Johnson as world number one. Koepka, who also won back-to-back US Open titles in 2017-18, admitted his run of bogeys had put him under pressure. "Tell you what, the hour spent from number 11 to 14 was interesting," Koepka said. "I just got stuck in a bogey train. I just made mistakes at the wrong time. "You've got to hit good drives and I put it in the rough. I challenge anyone to play this course in 15-to 20 miles-per-hour winds and see what they shoot." "Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was, how stressful DJ made it. "I know for a fact, that was the most excited I've ever been in my life ... on 18."

Brooks Koepka survives to win PGA after crowd sense a collapse

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532">Tiger Woods</a> acknowledged after missing the cut at the PGA Championship on Friday that he had paid the price for not being adequately prepared for another major quest so soon after winning the Masters.

A month after claiming his 15th major title at Augusta National, Woods crashed back to earth in his first tournament appearance since, recording a five-over 145 total at Bethpage Black.

Even the support of a boisterous Long Island gallery could not lift Woods, who putted poorly in the first round and drove the ball badly in the second.

"I'm the Masters Champion and 43 years old and that's a pretty good accomplishment," Woods said after shooting a 36-hole score that was 17 strokes worse than leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-makes-flying-start-with-63-to-lead-brooks-koepka-219316">Brooks Koepka.</a>

"I've enjoyed being the Masters champion again, and the PGA was a quick turnaround, and unfortunately I just didn't play well", Woods said.

Woods probably paid the price for not playing a tournament between the Masters and PGA and for only getting in nine holes at Bethpage in practice this week.

He had planned to play a further nine holes on Wednesday, but his preparation took a further hit when he did not feel well on tournament eve and spent the day resting instead.

"It's just the way it goes. Just (did not) feel well and just not able to do it, but resting would be better so I would have the energy to play," he said.

"I just made too many mistakes and just didn't do the little things I need to do. I had a couple of three-putts, didn't hit wedges close, didn't hit any fairways today, did a lot of little things wrong", Woods added.

It is the third time in his past four appearances at the PGA Championship that Woods has bowed out early, though he was hampered by a bad back injury in 2014 and 2015.

He did not play the following two years, before finishing second to Koepka last year.

Woods' next appearance is likely to be the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial tournament in Ohio in two weeks, before his next major start at the US&nbsp;Open at Pebble Beach from June 13-16.

He vowed to be better prepared then.

"There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up. I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens," he said.

"We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again. I just wasn't moving the way I needed to. That's the way it goes. There's going to be days and weeks where it's just not going to work, and today was one of those days", Tiger Woods added.

Tiger Woods acknowledged after missing the cut at the PGA Championship on Friday that he had paid the price for not being adequately prepared for another major quest so soon after winning the Masters.

Tiger Woods acknowledged after missing the cut at the PGA Championship on Friday that he had paid the price for not being adequately prepared for another major quest so soon after winning the Masters. A month after claiming his 15th major title at Augusta National, Woods crashed back to earth in his first tournament appearance since, recording a five-over 145 total at Bethpage Black. Even the support of a boisterous Long Island gallery could not lift Woods, who putted poorly in the first round and drove the ball badly in the second. "I'm the Masters Champion and 43 years old and that's a pretty good accomplishment," Woods said after shooting a 36-hole score that was 17 strokes worse than leader Brooks Koepka. "I've enjoyed being the Masters champion again, and the PGA was a quick turnaround, and unfortunately I just didn't play well", Woods said. Woods probably paid the price for not playing a tournament between the Masters and PGA and for only getting in nine holes at Bethpage in practice this week. He had planned to play a further nine holes on Wednesday, but his preparation took a further hit when he did not feel well on tournament eve and spent the day resting instead. "It's just the way it goes. Just (did not) feel well and just not able to do it, but resting would be better so I would have the energy to play," he said. "I just made too many mistakes and just didn't do the little things I need to do. I had a couple of three-putts, didn't hit wedges close, didn't hit any fairways today, did a lot of little things wrong", Woods added. It is the third time in his past four appearances at the PGA Championship that Woods has bowed out early, though he was hampered by a bad back injury in 2014 and 2015. He did not play the following two years, before finishing second to Koepka last year. Woods' next appearance is likely to be the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial tournament in Ohio in two weeks, before his next major start at the US Open at Pebble Beach from June 13-16. He vowed to be better prepared then. "There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up. I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens," he said. "We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again. I just wasn't moving the way I needed to. That's the way it goes. There's going to be days and weeks where it's just not going to work, and today was one of those days", Tiger Woods added.

Tiger Woods pays price for being inadequately prepared for PGA Championship

Defending champion Brooks Koepka made a flying start at the PGA Championship with a dominant display that appeared set to give him a big lead until inspired New Zealander Danny Lee made a late charge in the first round on Thursday.

Koepka made the gargantuan, rain-softened Bethpage Black layout look easy with a seven-under 63 that matched the second lowest round in any major championship.

Lee almost caught Koepka in the afternoon, the South Korean-born, American-based kiwi finishing in style with birdies at the final two holes for a 64.

The two frontrunners had a handy cushion over third-placed pursuer Tommy Fleetwood, who was four strokes behind Koepka in his bid to become the first English winner in a century.

Tiger Woods, in his first competitive round since winning the Masters a month ago, putted poorly for a 72 in the company of Koepka, while Rory McIlroy shot the same score, finally making his first birdie at the final hole.

Other big names were in striking distance.

Americans Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson, and Australian Jason Day, all shot 69 in the afternoon, while top Europeans Justin Rose and Jon Rahm managed 70.

Bethpage's fairways are lined with lush, rain-fuelled rough, and Koepka said keeping his ball straight had been key.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a>'s last four rounds in the PGA Championship: 
 
63 
66 
66 
63<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveUnderPar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveUnderPar</a> <a href="https://t.co/YlKn2BeDZf">pic.twitter.com/YlKn2BeDZf</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1129110853561851904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"If you hit fairways you're going to be able to hit greens and get the ball close to the hole," he said.

"So you can definitely shoot a number. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw another good score in the afternoon."

Prophetic words indeed, as Lee showed.

"Whenever I hit it on the fairway I gave it a good look for birdie and made those putts today," said the world number 119, who is playing with new-found confidence after working on his driving distance.

"I'm actually interested in myself what I can do out there this week," said Lee, 28, who has recently become a father.

If Lee milked every last drop out of his round, Koepka left a bit of money on the table.

"I parred two par-fives and missed about a five-footer on number 11 so it could've been a hell of a round," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, I'll take it every day but just need to clean a few things up."

The three-times major champion, who teed off at the 10th hole, bookended his round with monster birdies, a 40-footer at his first and a 33-footer at his last.

Woods was impressed.

"I think that was probably the highest score he could have shot today," Woods said. "He left a few out there."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Effortless.<a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a> is the first player to record 63 in back-to-back PGA Championships.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveUnderPar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveUnderPar</a> <a href="https://t.co/iv0DJoMbXm">pic.twitter.com/iv0DJoMbXm</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1129078854251888641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Late Bogeys

Woods did well to put a disappointing start behind him but was undone by a trio of late bogeys.

The four-times champion also had a trio of three-putts and his 72 included two double-bogeys, the first one coming right off the bat at his opening hole on a crisp Long Island morning.

"It wasn't as clean as I'd like to have it for sure. Didn't get off to a very good start," said the 15-times major champion.

"Then found my way back around. Got it back under par for the day, and let a couple slip away with a couple bad putts and a couple mistakes at the end."

Koepka, who finished a shot behind Woods at the Masters, is in no mood to let that happen again, and he described his round as one of the best of his career.

"It was great that Tiger won Augusta but we're at a new week now," he said.

"Obviously, everybody in New York is cheering for him. You've just got to keep battling and find a way through it."

Defending champion Brooks Koepka made a flying start at the PGA Championship with a dominant display that appeared set to give him a big lead until inspired New Zealander Danny Lee made a late charge in the first round on Thursday.

Defending champion Brooks Koepka made a flying start at the PGA Championship with a dominant display that appeared set to give him a big lead until inspired New Zealander Danny Lee made a late charge in the first round on Thursday. Koepka made the gargantuan, rain-softened Bethpage Black layout look easy with a seven-under 63 that matched the second lowest round in any major championship. Lee almost caught Koepka in the afternoon, the South Korean-born, American-based kiwi finishing in style with birdies at the final two holes for a 64. The two frontrunners had a handy cushion over third-placed pursuer Tommy Fleetwood, who was four strokes behind Koepka in his bid to become the first English winner in a century. Tiger Woods, in his first competitive round since winning the Masters a month ago, putted poorly for a 72 in the company of Koepka, while Rory McIlroy shot the same score, finally making his first birdie at the final hole. Other big names were in striking distance. Americans Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson, and Australian Jason Day, all shot 69 in the afternoon, while top Europeans Justin Rose and Jon Rahm managed 70. Bethpage's fairways are lined with lush, rain-fuelled rough, and Koepka said keeping his ball straight had been key. .@BKoepka's last four rounds in the PGA Championship: 63 66 66 63#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/YlKn2BeDZf — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 16, 2019 × "If you hit fairways you're going to be able to hit greens and get the ball close to the hole," he said. "So you can definitely shoot a number. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw another good score in the afternoon." Prophetic words indeed, as Lee showed. "Whenever I hit it on the fairway I gave it a good look for birdie and made those putts today," said the world number 119, who is playing with new-found confidence after working on his driving distance. "I'm actually interested in myself what I can do out there this week," said Lee, 28, who has recently become a father. If Lee milked every last drop out of his round, Koepka left a bit of money on the table. "I parred two par-fives and missed about a five-footer on number 11 so it could've been a hell of a round," he said. "Don't get me wrong, I'll take it every day but just need to clean a few things up." The three-times major champion, who teed off at the 10th hole, bookended his round with monster birdies, a 40-footer at his first and a 33-footer at his last. Woods was impressed. "I think that was probably the highest score he could have shot today," Woods said. "He left a few out there." Effortless.@BKoepka is the first player to record 63 in back-to-back PGA Championships.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/iv0DJoMbXm — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 16, 2019 × Late Bogeys Woods did well to put a disappointing start behind him but was undone by a trio of late bogeys. The four-times champion also had a trio of three-putts and his 72 included two double-bogeys, the first one coming right off the bat at his opening hole on a crisp Long Island morning. "It wasn't as clean as I'd like to have it for sure. Didn't get off to a very good start," said the 15-times major champion. "Then found my way back around. Got it back under par for the day, and let a couple slip away with a couple bad putts and a couple mistakes at the end." Koepka, who finished a shot behind Woods at the Masters, is in no mood to let that happen again, and he described his round as one of the best of his career. "It was great that Tiger won Augusta but we're at a new week now," he said. "Obviously, everybody in New York is cheering for him. You've just got to keep battling and find a way through it."

Brooks Koepka makes flying start with 63 to lead PGA Championship

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-says-jack-nicklaus-record-in-crosshairs-213630">Tiger Woods won the Masters</a> on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

On Monday, Trump got what he asked for. At a ceremony in the sun-splashed White House Rose Garden, Trump made the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-victory-in-masters-a-win-for-golf-business-210868"> 43-year-old Woods the fourth</a>, and youngest, professional golfer to receive the nation's highest civilian honour, after Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford.

With 81 PGA Tour victories, Woods is one shy of Sam Snead's all-time record, and with 15 major tournament victories, he trails only Nicklaus, who has 18.

But it was his dramatic Masters victory at Augusta National Golf Club last month, ending an 11-year major championship drought, that capped a years-long comeback from injuries and drama in his personal life, including an arrest two years ago for driving under the influence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiger-woods-awarded-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-216653/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Trump eagerly leapt onto the Tiger bandwagon. The two have played golf a number of times, most recently with Nicklaus in February at Trump's course in Jupiter, Florida.

At a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers, Trump called Woods "a true legend."

"He's a great guy," said Trump. "He introduced countless new people to the sport of golf, from every background and walk of life. ... Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive."

Woods, wearing a blue suit (not the Masters green jacket) was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Kultida, his two children, Sam and Charlie, his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his caddie, Joe LaCava.

"You've seen the good and the bad the highs and the lows, and I wouldn't be here without your help," Woods said.

Speaking directly to his loved ones, Woods added: "You guys have meant so much to me in my life. I've battled and I've tried to hang in there and I've tried to come back and play a great game of golf again."

With the golf world wondering if he has enough high-level golf in him to match Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, Woods left a clue as to his aspirations, calling his recent Masters experience "certainly one of the highest that I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course."

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible. On Monday, Trump got what he asked for. At a ceremony in the sun-splashed White House Rose Garden, Trump made the 43-year-old Woods the fourth, and youngest, professional golfer to receive the nation's highest civilian honour, after Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford. With 81 PGA Tour victories, Woods is one shy of Sam Snead's all-time record, and with 15 major tournament victories, he trails only Nicklaus, who has 18. But it was his dramatic Masters victory at Augusta National Golf Club last month, ending an 11-year major championship drought, that capped a years-long comeback from injuries and drama in his personal life, including an arrest two years ago for driving under the influence. Trump eagerly leapt onto the Tiger bandwagon. The two have played golf a number of times, most recently with Nicklaus in February at Trump's course in Jupiter, Florida. At a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers, Trump called Woods "a true legend." "He's a great guy," said Trump. "He introduced countless new people to the sport of golf, from every background and walk of life. ... Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive." Woods, wearing a blue suit (not the Masters green jacket) was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Kultida, his two children, Sam and Charlie, his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his caddie, Joe LaCava. "You've seen the good and the bad the highs and the lows, and I wouldn't be here without your help," Woods said. Speaking directly to his loved ones, Woods added: "You guys have meant so much to me in my life. I've battled and I've tried to hang in there and I've tried to come back and play a great game of golf again." With the golf world wondering if he has enough high-level golf in him to match Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, Woods left a clue as to his aspirations, calling his recent Masters experience "certainly one of the highest that I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course."

Trump awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods

Keith Mitchell sank a clutch 15-foot birdie putt at the last hole to win his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory at the Honda Classic on Sunday.

The second-year professional edged out Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler with a final round 67 to finish at nine-under 271.

The more experienced Koepka (66) and Fowler (67) put the pressure on but Mitchell denied them a chance at a playoff at PGA National with his long putt.

The 27-year-old began his day with back-to-back bogeys, then roared back with birdies at four of the final seven holes.

"I`ve been close before and I let my emotions take over," Mitchell told NBC television. "I bogeyed the first couple of holes and I said, `Not again.`"

He finished the day with a big smile to go with six birdies and three bogeys.

"I was trying to focus on what was going on," Mitchell said. "My mind started wandering there a little bit at the end ... and then I hit a great putt."

Ryan Palmer (63) and Lucas Glover (66) shared fourth at seven-under 273 and 56-year-old Vijay Singh (70) was sixth at six-under as he missed a chance to become the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event.

A thrilling final nine holes saw as many as six players tied for the lead at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Palmer set the early tone with his splendid early finish that included eight birdies and a bogey in the round of 63.

As he watched from the clubhouse for several hours, things heated up on the tough back nine.

Third-round co-leader Wyndham Clark (72-275) and the surging Koepka and Fowler, who made a 45-foot birdie putt at the 17th, also were tied for the top at one point.&nbsp;

Finally,&nbsp;it came down to Mitchell, Koepka and Fowler.

Koepka birdied two of his last three holes, and Fowler closed with four birdies in eight holes.

Mitchell birdied the par-three 15th hole from four feet and then made the clutch putt at 18 even though his tee shot ended up in a bunker.

Singh lost a chance to be in the mix when he hit his tee shot badly at the 17th and the ball rolled into the water.

Keith Mitchell sank a clutch 15-foot birdie putt at the last hole to win his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory at the Honda Classic on Sunday. The second-year professional edged out Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler with a final round 67 to finish at nine-under 271.

Keith Mitchell sank a clutch 15-foot birdie putt at the last hole to win his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory at the Honda Classic on Sunday. The second-year professional edged out Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler with a final round 67 to finish at nine-under 271. The more experienced Koepka (66) and Fowler (67) put the pressure on but Mitchell denied them a chance at a playoff at PGA National with his long putt. The 27-year-old began his day with back-to-back bogeys, then roared back with birdies at four of the final seven holes. "I`ve been close before and I let my emotions take over," Mitchell told NBC television. "I bogeyed the first couple of holes and I said, `Not again.`" He finished the day with a big smile to go with six birdies and three bogeys. "I was trying to focus on what was going on," Mitchell said. "My mind started wandering there a little bit at the end ... and then I hit a great putt." Ryan Palmer (63) and Lucas Glover (66) shared fourth at seven-under 273 and 56-year-old Vijay Singh (70) was sixth at six-under as he missed a chance to become the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event. A thrilling final nine holes saw as many as six players tied for the lead at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Palmer set the early tone with his splendid early finish that included eight birdies and a bogey in the round of 63. As he watched from the clubhouse for several hours, things heated up on the tough back nine. Third-round co-leader Wyndham Clark (72-275) and the surging Koepka and Fowler, who made a 45-foot birdie putt at the 17th, also were tied for the top at one point. Finally, it came down to Mitchell, Koepka and Fowler. Koepka birdied two of his last three holes, and Fowler closed with four birdies in eight holes. Mitchell birdied the par-three 15th hole from four feet and then made the clutch putt at 18 even though his tee shot ended up in a bunker. Singh lost a chance to be in the mix when he hit his tee shot badly at the 17th and the ball rolled into the water.

Keith Mitchell claims first PGA win with big final putt

US golfer Tiger Woods won the PGA Tour Championship by two shots to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-seals-first-win-five-years-tour-championship-167319"> claim his first victory in five years</a>. He said it is hard to believe that he has won the title.

"I was having a hard time not crying the last hole," revealed Woods after claiming an emotional and remarkable win.

"I was having a hard time not crying the last hole. I said, hey, you know what, I can still blade this thing out of bounds. Just suck it up and let's hit some shots. Here, and once I got the ball on the green, I gave Joey a high five because it was done. I could handle that from there," said Woods while speaking to NBC.

The 40-years-old led throughout the final round and finished at 11-under-par 269 at East Lake, where he carded a closing 71 for his 80th PGA Tour victory.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congratulations to our boss on winning the Tour Championship today, marking it his 80th PGA Tour victory and a comeback for the ages. - TGR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TW80?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TW80</a> <a href="https://t.co/A0ZR8WceRc">pic.twitter.com/A0ZR8WceRc</a>
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/1043992116416909312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Final scores <a href="https://twitter.com/playofffinale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PlayoffFinale</a>: 
 
1. <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a>, -11 
2. <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyHo_Golf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillyHo_Golf</a>, -9 
3. <a href="https://twitter.com/DJohnsonPGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJohnsonPGA</a>, -7 
4. Hideki Matsuyama, -6 
4. <a href="https://twitter.com/webbsimpson1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WebbSimpson1</a>, -6 
4. <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinRose99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinRose99</a>, -6 
7. <a href="https://twitter.com/RickieFowler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RickieFowler</a>, -5 
7. <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinThomas34?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinThomas34</a>, -5 
7. <a href="https://twitter.com/XSchauffele?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@XSchauffele</a>, -5 
7. <a href="https://twitter.com/McIlroyRory?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McIlroyRory</a>, -5 
 
Leaderboard: <a href="https://t.co/vZk1d8dmgT">https://t.co/vZk1d8dmgT</a> <a href="https://t.co/gJQ0rffMVH">pic.twitter.com/gJQ0rffMVH</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1044007036432855040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I don't know, but it was just a grind out there. I loved every bit of it. The fight and the grind and the tough conditions and just have to suck it up and hit shots, and I loved every bit of it," said emotional Woods.

Woods, who entered the final round with three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, tapped in to move within two victories of Sam Snead's all-time record of 82 titles.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
80. 🏆 
 
Count 'em.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveUnderPar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveUnderPar</a> <a href="https://t.co/sg4gMoiHoS">pic.twitter.com/sg4gMoiHoS</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1044021367568502785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Watch his post-match interview:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Live with <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a>, the winner of the <a href="https://twitter.com/playofffinale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PlayoffFinale</a>. 🏆🎤 <a href="https://t.co/tb2XcgxUwQ">https://t.co/tb2XcgxUwQ</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1043995406512742400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He congratulated Rose on winning FedEx Cup, He said, "Congrats Rosie hell of a season World No. 1, Rosie's obviously the best player in the world he's been so consistent the year he had end of the season last year beginning of this year was phenomenal and he's continued to build on it.&nbsp;

"You don't get to be world number one overnight it takes a while and he's done that congratulations to Rosie and his entire family," he added.

US golfer Tiger Woods won the PGA Tour Championship by two shots to claim his first victory in five years. He said it is hard to believe that he has won the title.

US golfer Tiger Woods won the PGA Tour Championship by two shots to claim his first victory in five years. He said it is hard to believe that he has won the title. "I was having a hard time not crying the last hole," revealed Woods after claiming an emotional and remarkable win. "I was having a hard time not crying the last hole. I said, hey, you know what, I can still blade this thing out of bounds. Just suck it up and let's hit some shots. Here, and once I got the ball on the green, I gave Joey a high five because it was done. I could handle that from there," said Woods while speaking to NBC. The 40-years-old led throughout the final round and finished at 11-under-par 269 at East Lake, where he carded a closing 71 for his 80th PGA Tour victory. Congratulations to our boss on winning the Tour Championship today, marking it his 80th PGA Tour victory and a comeback for the ages. - TGR #TW80 pic.twitter.com/A0ZR8WceRc — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) September 23, 2018 × Final scores @PlayoffFinale: 1. @TigerWoods, -11 2. @BillyHo_Golf, -9 3. @DJohnsonPGA, -7 4. Hideki Matsuyama, -6 4. @WebbSimpson1, -6 4. @JustinRose99, -6 7. @RickieFowler, -5 7. @JustinThomas34, -5 7. @XSchauffele, -5 7. @McIlroyRory, -5 Leaderboard: https://t.co/vZk1d8dmgT pic.twitter.com/gJQ0rffMVH — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 23, 2018 × "I don't know, but it was just a grind out there. I loved every bit of it. The fight and the grind and the tough conditions and just have to suck it up and hit shots, and I loved every bit of it," said emotional Woods. Woods, who entered the final round with three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, tapped in to move within two victories of Sam Snead's all-time record of 82 titles. 80. 🏆 Count 'em.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/sg4gMoiHoS — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 24, 2018 × Watch his post-match interview: Live with @TigerWoods, the winner of the @PlayoffFinale. 🏆🎤 https://t.co/tb2XcgxUwQ — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 23, 2018 × He congratulated Rose on winning FedEx Cup, He said, "Congrats Rosie hell of a season World No. 1, Rosie's obviously the best player in the world he's been so consistent the year he had end of the season last year beginning of this year was phenomenal and he's continued to build on it. "You don't get to be world number one overnight it takes a while and he's done that congratulations to Rosie and his entire family," he added.

'Hard to believe': Tiger Woods reacts to PGA Tour Championship victory

Robert Streb, who has not had a US top-10 finish in a year, matched the record-low round in major golf history on Friday with a seven-under par 63 at Baltusrol to seize a share of the lead at the PGA Championship. 
 
The 29-year-old American began on the back nine and made eight birdies, the last of them on a 21-foot putt at the par-three ninth to match compatriot Jimmy Walker for a share of the 36-hole lead at nine-under 131. 
 
Streb, whose lone US PGA victory came in the 2014 McGladrey Classic, has gone 27 US PGA events without a top-10 showing since placing 10th at the 2015 PGA Championship, although he was fourth at the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa on the European Tour. 
 
He missed the cut in all three prior majors this year but played the round of his life to put himself in contention for a major title. Top-ranked defending champion Jason Day shared third with Argentina&#39;s Emiliano Grillo on 133. 
 
The Australian&#39;s round of 65 included a run of seven birdies in eight holes. British Open champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden was alone in fifth after his second consecutive 67 with two-time major winner Martin Kaymer of Germany sharing sixth on 135 with Americans Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka. 
 
(AFP)

Streb missed the cut in all three prior majors this year but played the round of his life to put himself in contention for a major title

Robert Streb, who has not had a US top-10 finish in a year, matched the record-low round in major golf history on Friday with a seven-under par 63 at Baltusrol to seize a share of the lead at the PGA Championship. The 29-year-old American began on the back nine and made eight birdies, the last of them on a 21-foot putt at the par-three ninth to match compatriot Jimmy Walker for a share of the 36-hole lead at nine-under 131. Streb, whose lone US PGA victory came in the 2014 McGladrey Classic, has gone 27 US PGA events without a top-10 showing since placing 10th at the 2015 PGA Championship, although he was fourth at the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa on the European Tour. He missed the cut in all three prior majors this year but played the round of his life to put himself in contention for a major title. Top-ranked defending champion Jason Day shared third with Argentina's Emiliano Grillo on 133. The Australian's round of 65 included a run of seven birdies in eight holes. British Open champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden was alone in fifth after his second consecutive 67 with two-time major winner Martin Kaymer of Germany sharing sixth on 135 with Americans Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka. (AFP)

Robert Streb fires 63 to share PGA lead with Walker

Jimmy Walker shrugged off some recent struggles to shoot a five-under-par 65 and claim the first-round lead in the PGA Championship at a hot, steamy Baltusrol Golf Club on Thursday. 
 
Major winners were close behind.&nbsp;Lurking in striking range was world number one and defending champion Jason Day who, despite not setting foot on the course until Wednesday, patiently plotted his way through the 7,328-yard layout to shoot 68. 
 
British Open champion Henrik Stenson was even closer after a birdie at the par-five 18th for 67. 
 
Despite lively afternoon winds and the wear and tear on the greens for the later starters, twice major winner Martin Kaymer of Germany posted a 66 to join Argentina&#39;s Emiliano Grillo and Englishman Ross Fisher in a tie for second. 
 
Walker, who has missed four cuts in his last eight events including the US Open and British Open, found his form at the year&#39;s last major. 
 
&quot;I just haven&#39;t been scoring, I haven&#39;t been making the 15, 18-footers you need to make to start running up the leaderboard,&quot; said Walker who won three times in 2014 and twice last year, but has just three top-10s from 19 events this season. 
 
The 2014 US Ryder Cup player made good use of his putter on Thursday, making four birdies over his first nine after starting at 10, and gaining two more strokes at the first and seventh to take a one-shot lead. 
 
Fisher birdied the two closing par-fives for a big finish, while Grillo was boosted by back-to-back birdies from the 14th. 
 
Grillo, who won the Frys.com Open to start his season, said he gained confidence from his tie for 12th at this month&#39;s British Open. 
 
&quot;Playing well anywhere in the world, it helps your confidence,&quot; Grillo, 23, told reporters. &quot;Bringing that into this tournament, one of the biggest four on the planet, it&#39;s a big boost.&quot; 
 
Day&#39;s preparation was disrupted by a bug he caught from his children and an emergency trip to the hospital with his wife, who had a bad allergic reaction on Tuesday night.&nbsp;But the Australian showed no ill effects from his quick study of Baltusrol. 
 
&quot;I played good today. Drove it very nicely and hit a lot of good iron shots,&quot; Day said.&nbsp;&quot;To be able to go out there and hit it exactly where I&#39;m going and see the shot and what I need to do and actually execute it was exciting for me. Really positive stuff going into the next three rounds.&quot; 
 
Day&#39;s playing competitors Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson did not fare as well.&nbsp;Twice PGA winner McIlroy struggled with his putting and shot a four-over 74 without a single birdie. 
 
Mickelson revived 
 
Phil Mickelson, who won the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol, was also four-over after a bogey on his 11th hole, but revived with three birdies in a five-hole stretch from his 12th to card a 71. 
 
&quot;To come out and hit shots like I hit those first 11 holes was very disappointing,&quot; said the American, who waged a sensational duel with Stenson at Royal Troon, shooting 65 in finishing runner-up at the Open. 
 
&quot;However, I&#39;m proud that I hung in there, fought and got three back coming in. If I go out tomorrow and just play a good round, I think I can shoot mid-60s and get back in it.&quot; 
 
Stenson&#39;s playing competitors, the season&#39;s other major winners had mixed results.&nbsp;Masters champion Danny Willett birdied the last for 71, while US Open winner Dustin Johnson stumbled to four bogeys and a pair of double bogeys in his 77.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

Jimmy Walker has won three times in 2014 and twice last year, but has just three top-10s from 19 events this season

Jimmy Walker shrugged off some recent struggles to shoot a five-under-par 65 and claim the first-round lead in the PGA Championship at a hot, steamy Baltusrol Golf Club on Thursday. Major winners were close behind. Lurking in striking range was world number one and defending champion Jason Day who, despite not setting foot on the course until Wednesday, patiently plotted his way through the 7,328-yard layout to shoot 68. British Open champion Henrik Stenson was even closer after a birdie at the par-five 18th for 67. Despite lively afternoon winds and the wear and tear on the greens for the later starters, twice major winner Martin Kaymer of Germany posted a 66 to join Argentina's Emiliano Grillo and Englishman Ross Fisher in a tie for second. Walker, who has missed four cuts in his last eight events including the US Open and British Open, found his form at the year's last major. "I just haven't been scoring, I haven't been making the 15, 18-footers you need to make to start running up the leaderboard," said Walker who won three times in 2014 and twice last year, but has just three top-10s from 19 events this season. The 2014 US Ryder Cup player made good use of his putter on Thursday, making four birdies over his first nine after starting at 10, and gaining two more strokes at the first and seventh to take a one-shot lead. Fisher birdied the two closing par-fives for a big finish, while Grillo was boosted by back-to-back birdies from the 14th. Grillo, who won the Frys.com Open to start his season, said he gained confidence from his tie for 12th at this month's British Open. "Playing well anywhere in the world, it helps your confidence," Grillo, 23, told reporters. "Bringing that into this tournament, one of the biggest four on the planet, it's a big boost." Day's preparation was disrupted by a bug he caught from his children and an emergency trip to the hospital with his wife, who had a bad allergic reaction on Tuesday night. But the Australian showed no ill effects from his quick study of Baltusrol. "I played good today. Drove it very nicely and hit a lot of good iron shots," Day said. "To be able to go out there and hit it exactly where I'm going and see the shot and what I need to do and actually execute it was exciting for me. Really positive stuff going into the next three rounds." Day's playing competitors Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson did not fare as well. Twice PGA winner McIlroy struggled with his putting and shot a four-over 74 without a single birdie. Mickelson revived Phil Mickelson, who won the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol, was also four-over after a bogey on his 11th hole, but revived with three birdies in a five-hole stretch from his 12th to card a 71. "To come out and hit shots like I hit those first 11 holes was very disappointing," said the American, who waged a sensational duel with Stenson at Royal Troon, shooting 65 in finishing runner-up at the Open. "However, I'm proud that I hung in there, fought and got three back coming in. If I go out tomorrow and just play a good round, I think I can shoot mid-60s and get back in it." Stenson's playing competitors, the season's other major winners had mixed results. Masters champion Danny Willett birdied the last for 71, while US Open winner Dustin Johnson stumbled to four bogeys and a pair of double bogeys in his 77. (Reuters)

Walker sets first-round PGA pace with 65, Stenson two back

Severe thunderstorms drenched Baltusrol with heavy rain on Monday, cutting short the first practice session for the 98th PGA Championship and soaking greens that had been fast in afternoon heat. 
 
Sweltering heat greeted players in the early afternoon, but the day ended with standing water puddled across many areas of the course after thunder, lightning and downpours. 
 
PGA of America officials halted play at 4:38 pm (IST) and had spectators seek shelter, several dozen huddling in the massive souvenir tent until a break between storms allowed them a chance to leave. 
 
It was a signal that players could face a lot of extremes in this week&#39;s quest for the Wanamaker Trophy, with forecasts for hot conditions until storms are set to return for the weekend. 
 
World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits.&nbsp;&quot;I feel good about my game,&quot; Day said. &quot;I&#39;m hitting a lot of good shots and that has given me confidence. I should be good to go.&quot; 
 
Day was won seven titles in the past year and flirted with major success, sharing 10th at the Masters and eighth at the US Open.&nbsp;His mindset is less about repeating as champion, especially on a different course, than it is about achieving new feats.&nbsp;&quot;I never really look at it as defending,&quot; he said. &quot;I try to win it again. That&#39;s the mentality.&quot; 
 
World number two Dustin Johnson made his major breakthrough last month by winning the US Open at Oakmont.&nbsp;The American also won a WGC event at Firestone and shared ninth at the British Open, enough good finishes to bolster his confidence entering the final major tournament of the year. 
 
&quot;I think the game is in really good shape,&quot; Johnson said. &quot;Do a little practice on the putting in the next few days, but other than that, I`m really confident in the game right now. I feel like everything is going really well.&quot; 
 
Day will play the first two rounds alongside four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Championship winner, and Phil Mickelson, the 46-year-old US left-hander who won the last PGA Championship played at Baltusrol in 2005. 
 
Mickelson battled British Open winner Henrik Stenson into the final holes before settling for second to the Swede at Royal Troon two weeks ago. 
 
Johnson will play on Thursday and Friday alongside Stenson and Masters champion Danny Willett of England in the annual threesome of the season&#39;s prior major winners. 
 
Each won his first major this year and none of them wants to see another first-timer take the trophy this week. 
 
(AFP)

World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits

Severe thunderstorms drenched Baltusrol with heavy rain on Monday, cutting short the first practice session for the 98th PGA Championship and soaking greens that had been fast in afternoon heat. Sweltering heat greeted players in the early afternoon, but the day ended with standing water puddled across many areas of the course after thunder, lightning and downpours. PGA of America officials halted play at 4:38 pm (IST) and had spectators seek shelter, several dozen huddling in the massive souvenir tent until a break between storms allowed them a chance to leave. It was a signal that players could face a lot of extremes in this week's quest for the Wanamaker Trophy, with forecasts for hot conditions until storms are set to return for the weekend. World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits. "I feel good about my game," Day said. "I'm hitting a lot of good shots and that has given me confidence. I should be good to go." Day was won seven titles in the past year and flirted with major success, sharing 10th at the Masters and eighth at the US Open. His mindset is less about repeating as champion, especially on a different course, than it is about achieving new feats. "I never really look at it as defending," he said. "I try to win it again. That's the mentality." World number two Dustin Johnson made his major breakthrough last month by winning the US Open at Oakmont. The American also won a WGC event at Firestone and shared ninth at the British Open, enough good finishes to bolster his confidence entering the final major tournament of the year. "I think the game is in really good shape," Johnson said. "Do a little practice on the putting in the next few days, but other than that, I`m really confident in the game right now. I feel like everything is going really well." Day will play the first two rounds alongside four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Championship winner, and Phil Mickelson, the 46-year-old US left-hander who won the last PGA Championship played at Baltusrol in 2005. Mickelson battled British Open winner Henrik Stenson into the final holes before settling for second to the Swede at Royal Troon two weeks ago. Johnson will play on Thursday and Friday alongside Stenson and Masters champion Danny Willett of England in the annual threesome of the season's prior major winners. Each won his first major this year and none of them wants to see another first-timer take the trophy this week. (AFP)

Defending champion Day confident at storm-soaked PGA

Venezuela&#39;s Jhonattan Vegas started fast and finished strong on Sunday to seize a one-shot victory in the US PGA Tour&#39;s Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club near Toronto on Sunday. 
 
Vegas&#39;s eight-under par 64 included plenty of fireworks, starting with five straight birdies from the second through the sixth holes. 
He capped his round with a burst of three straight birdies, carding nine overall with one bogey for a 12-under par total of 276. 
 
&quot;I knew I had to get off to a fast start,&quot; said Vegas, who was five off the pace when play began. &quot;I know that I was in striking distance, but I had to get myself close to the lead early so the guys kind of know I was there.&nbsp;So I just kept pushing and kept firing at pins and kept really going right after it. I got a really good momentum, and obviously I was able to close it out with some birdies.&quot; 
 
Dustin Johnson, a co-leader after each of the first two rounds who was tied for second heading into Sunday, shot a final-round 69 and finished in a three-way tie for second on 277. 
 
He was joined by Spain&#39;s Jon Rahm, who closed with a bogey-free 67 that included a birdie on the final hole, and Scotland&#39;s Martin Laird, who also signed for a 67. 
 
Overnight leader Brandt Snedeker fired a one-under 71 that left him in a group on 278 alongside fellow Americans Ricky Barnes (68) and Steve Wheatcroft (69) and Germany&#39;s Alex Cejka (69). 
 
Australia&#39;s Geoff Ogilvy tied for the best round of the tournament, a 63, to surge from 44th place to a tie for ninth on 279. The group also included Canadian amateur Jared du Toit, who carded a 71.&nbsp;World number one and defending champion Jason Day of Australia closed with a 67 to finish tied for 14th on 281. 
 
Vegas, 29, earned his second PGA Tour win more than five years after capturing his first at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic.&nbsp;Sunday&#39;s victory gives him a two-year Tour exemption as well as berths in the PGA Championship next week at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey and in next year&#39;s Masters at Augusta National. 
 
(AFP)

Jhonattan Vegas earned his second PGA Tour win more than five years after capturing his first at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic

Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas started fast and finished strong on Sunday to seize a one-shot victory in the US PGA Tour's Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club near Toronto on Sunday. Vegas's eight-under par 64 included plenty of fireworks, starting with five straight birdies from the second through the sixth holes. He capped his round with a burst of three straight birdies, carding nine overall with one bogey for a 12-under par total of 276. "I knew I had to get off to a fast start," said Vegas, who was five off the pace when play began. "I know that I was in striking distance, but I had to get myself close to the lead early so the guys kind of know I was there. So I just kept pushing and kept firing at pins and kept really going right after it. I got a really good momentum, and obviously I was able to close it out with some birdies." Dustin Johnson, a co-leader after each of the first two rounds who was tied for second heading into Sunday, shot a final-round 69 and finished in a three-way tie for second on 277. He was joined by Spain's Jon Rahm, who closed with a bogey-free 67 that included a birdie on the final hole, and Scotland's Martin Laird, who also signed for a 67. Overnight leader Brandt Snedeker fired a one-under 71 that left him in a group on 278 alongside fellow Americans Ricky Barnes (68) and Steve Wheatcroft (69) and Germany's Alex Cejka (69). Australia's Geoff Ogilvy tied for the best round of the tournament, a 63, to surge from 44th place to a tie for ninth on 279. The group also included Canadian amateur Jared du Toit, who carded a 71. World number one and defending champion Jason Day of Australia closed with a 67 to finish tied for 14th on 281. Vegas, 29, earned his second PGA Tour win more than five years after capturing his first at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic. Sunday's victory gives him a two-year Tour exemption as well as berths in the PGA Championship next week at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey and in next year's Masters at Augusta National. (AFP)

Vegas powers to Canadian Open victory

pga-championship

Pga Championship, News on Pga Championship, stories on Pga Championship, articles on Pga Championship, Pga Championship stories at Wion, Pga Championship news, Pga Championship latest news

pga championship