Kizzire prevails in marathon playoff to win Sony Open

[January 16, 2018]  (Reuters) - Patton Kizzire outlasted James Hahn over six playoffholes to win the Sony Open in Hawaii on Sunday for his second win of the PGA Tour season.

Kizzire, who entered the day a shot back of the lead, carded a two-under-par 68 that put him tied at the top of the leaderboard on 17-under with Hahn (62). Kizzire, who also won the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in November, finally came out on top of the playoff with a winning par on the 17th.

“This is huge for my confidence,” Kizzire told the Golf Channel. “One win doesn’t necessarily mean a lot. Two means a little more, and three is even better so I’m always looking for the next one."

Hahn, who has two career PGA Tour wins, missed potential winning putts on the first two playoff holes.

He had another shot to win on the fifth playoff hole but missed a five-footer.

“Terrible,” said Hahn of his performance in the playoff. “I had an opportunity to win and didn’t pull it off. I hate losing so it’s going to push me to be better. I need to get better.”
 

PGA golfer Patton Kizzire kisses the trophy after winning the Sony Open golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Overnight leader Tom Hoge missed out on the chance to join the playoff when he failed to convert a short birdie putt on the closing 18th hole. He shot an even-par 70 to finish at 16-under, with a double bogey on the 16th scuppering his chances of victory.

Webb Simpson, Brian Harman and Brian Stuard finished at 15-under.

Reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year Justin Thomas ended at 12-under, one shot better than defending champion and three times major champion Jordan Spieth.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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