Chris Kirk makes late birdie to take PGA TOUR season opener at The Sentry
Chris Kirk clinched victory at The Sentry PGA TOUR season opener with a clutch 5-iron shot on the 17th hole.
Chris Kirk secures victory with late birdie
Chris Kirk emerged victorious at The Sentry, the PGA TOUR season opener, with a remarkable 5-iron shot on the 17th hole. Kirk's shot, which landed just 2 feet from the pin, led to a birdie and secured his one-shot win.
This win marks another milestone in Kirk's comeback journey, as he had previously taken time off from golf to seek treatment for alcoholism and depression. He returned to the sport in 2021 and won the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches last year.
The victory also guarantees Kirk a spot in the Masters, as he finished just outside the top 50 in the world rankings at the end of last year. It's a great start to the year for Kirk, who looks forward to competing in more tournaments.
Strong competition from Sahith Theegala and Jordan Spieth
Sahith Theegala and Jordan Spieth put on an impressive performance on the final day of The Sentry. Both players caught up to Kirk on the back nine, but fell short by just one shot.
Theegala shot a spectacular round of 63, narrowly missing a 10-foot birdie chance on the closing hole. Spieth, on the other hand, had a tough break on the 16th hole when his tee shot ended up in a bunker. Despite his efforts, Spieth missed a 15-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole.
Although Theegala and Spieth couldn't seize the victory, their strong play adds to the excitement of the tournament and showcases their talent as professional golfers.
Sungjae Im breaks PGA TOUR record
While Chris Kirk claimed the victory at The Sentry, Sungjae Im made his mark in the record books. Im recorded an impressive 34 birdies throughout the tournament, breaking the previous record of 32 birdies in a 72-hole tournament.
Im's record-breaking performance highlights his exceptional skill and puts him in the spotlight among his fellow competitors. It's a notable achievement for Im and shows his potential as a rising star in the world of golf.
With his record-breaking performance, Im has set the bar high for future tournaments and has undoubtedly caught the attention of golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.
