- Chris Kirk defeated fellow American Eric Cole to win the Honda Classic, his first PGA Tour title since 2015
- Elsewhere, Marcel Siem ended his eight-year await for fifth DP World Tour title by winning the Indian Open
Chris Kirk defeated fellow American Eric Cole to win the Honda Classic, his first PGA Tour title since 2015 when he won the Crowne Plaza Invitation at Colonial.
Kirk began the day with a two-shot lead at Palm Beach Gardens. The American played his opening 17 holes on Sunday in two-under par, avoiding a bogey or anything worse on the final hole.
Chris Kirk. Photo/ PGA Tour.
Chris Kirk set his second shot into the water and failed to hole a putt while just under 17 feet to secure victory. Well, this provided Eric Cole with a golden opportunity to win it.
The tide turned on the first playoff hole, and the 2015 Crowne Plaza Invitation winner nearly pitched in for eagle. He was left with a tap-in birdie, putting so much pressure on Eric Cole.
Cole, who is less experienced, decided to take their duel to a second extra hole by converting from a distance of 10 feet and five inches. However, his effort lipped out and Chris Kirk was left celebrating.
Tyler Duncan finished third on twelve under. Ireland’s Shane Lowry and England’s Ben Taylor were among those who finished fifth on nine under.
Chris Kirk had taken some time off in 2019 to deal with his struggles with depression and alcohol. He was once ranked 16th worldwide but had fallen to 188th by the time he took a break. With the victory over Eric Cole, Chris has announced his return to golf fans in the best way possible.
Speaking after winning the Honda Classic, Chris Kirk expressed his gratitude to everyone who has been of support to him in recent years.
“I came really close to losing everything I cared about. I’m so grateful for my sobriety. I’m so grateful for my family. I’m so grateful for everyone that supported me throughout the past three or four years, especially.” BBC Sports quotes Chris Kirk.
Elsewhere, Marcel Siem ended his eight-year await for fifth DP World Tour title by winning the Indian Open. The German finished one shot clear of Yannik Paul on 14 under. It was his first win since November 2014 when he won the BMW Masters.
Marcel Siem had been asked to spend time on the Challenge Tour so as to reclaim his Tour Card which he lost in 2021. He was also there to rediscover his form, and it all paid off with victory.
Despite recording a final round 68 to better compatriot Yannick, the tournament was decided on the final whole. Joost Luiten finished third whereas Kazuki Higa and Jorge Campillo finished fourth.
Marcel Siem. Photo/ Planet Sport.
“I’m a winner again, come on! This means a lot because two years ago I wasn’t even sure if I could still compete on the DP World Tour.” Marcel Siem said after winning the Indian Open, as per BBC Sports.
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